Updated: April 10, 2024

The Gold Souk is Dubai’s most famous and visited souk. A labyrinth of covered walkways is home to hundreds of retailers offering a huge selection of jewellery made from gold, silver, diamonds and other precious metals and stones.
It’s a fascinating place that should be on every tourist’s itinerary, even those with no intention of making a purchase.

The market price of gold is displayed on signs around the souk and in individual stores. Prices are listed for 24K, 22K, 21K, and 18K in AED per gram. Pieces are sold by weight according to the current market price with an additional charge for workmanship.
Always barter on the price of anything you wish to purchase. Sellers will initially set a high price. The weight element of the price is non-negotiable but the charge for workmanship is. Reductions of as high as 30 percent are possible. Similar items can be found in many of the stores so take your time to shop around. Credit cards are accepted, but better discounts can usually be obtained if you pay in cash.To be on the safe side ensure you purchase from the stores. Strict government regulations ensure items on sale are accurately described. The street vendors don’t adhere to the rules and the jewellery they sell will often (if not always) be fakes.
The souk is located in Deira, near the Al Ras Metro Station, and is open 7 days a week. Opening hours for the Gold Souk are 10 am to 10 pm Saturday to Thursday (but many stores close between 1 pm and 4 pm). Timings on Fridays are 4 pm to 10 pm.

The Gold Souk is the best known but by no means the only place to buy gold in Dubai. If you don’t want the souk experience there are many other (air-conditioned) places to shop. One of the best alternatives is the Gold & Diamond Park (close to the First Gulf Bank Metro Station).