Dubai is a well-known shopping destination for tourists from all over the world. It also houses a gold market that is world-famous for its quality and purity.
Several tours include a visit to the City of Gold in their itinerary. It is easy to get here as there are many transport options, including the Metro (Al Ras station). There is also an Abra ride from Al Seef.
The Gold Souk
Located in the heart of the traditional trade center, Dubai Gold Souk is a one-of-a-kind experience. Its the place to go if you want to buy or simply admire decadent gold jewellery.
There’s a lot of glitzy jewellery stores to choose from, including famous names such as Malabar Gold and Diamonds. But you’ll find a few lesser-known shops that offer a more bespoke shopping experience.
If you’re planning to purchase gold from the Gold Souk, make sure you bring cash to avoid paying high credit card fees. Also, check the gold rates in different shops to ensure you’re getting a good deal. Lastly, some retailers are participating in the Tourist Tax Refund for Foreign Visitors scheme, so ask if the shop you’re buying from does. In these cases, the store will stamp your passport with a special tax free tag at checkout. This can save you a ton of money when shopping at the Gold Souk!
The Gold Market
Whether you are smitten with the shiny stuff, enchanted by jewelry and other objects crafted from it or simply fascinated by its historical significance, a visit to Dubai’s Gold Souk is a must. You’ll be able to buy anything from impossibly heavy necklaces to actual dresses (and even gold-plated cars). Gold is sold by weight in the market, and it’s important to know that the price you pay for your purchases depends on the daily gold rate. Therefore, you should always haggle.
While Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for precious metals is undeniable, it is also a conduit for illegal activity. In fact, lax regulation of the market and the city’s geographic position between Africa and Asia have allowed for gold smuggling and money laundering to cross-pollinate across the region. Various entities, from nongovernmental organizations to the OECD, have attempted to constructively engage with Dubai authorities on this issue, but so far without much success.
The Jewellery Market
The jewellers of the Gold Souk are a fascinating part of Dubai’s glitzy tangle of markets and malls. Their products are a testament to the ancient trade routes that paved the way for Dubai’s current global affluence. You’ll find everything from impossibly heavy necklaces to actual dresses – all of which are made with gold. In addition to gold, the outlets also sell diamonds and other precious gems including emeralds, rubies, sapphires and amethysts. Top jewellers include Damas, ARY jewellery, Prima Gold and Joy Allukkas Jewellery.
But what is it like behind the scenes of this booming metropolis? Journalist Jim Krane takes us on a revealing stroll of the city’s streets, chatting with business titans and the hard-bitten men who make up its deep stratification. He delves into the history, paints a portrait of its rulers and ponders where the future lies for this city of record-holding luxuries and golden dreams. Then he reveals why the city has been called “the City of Gold” and why it’s so popular to purchase precious metal in Dubai.
The Abra Ride
The traditional abra boats, or water taxis, on Dubai Creek offer a unique way to travel and explore the city. They are simple to use, cost just one dirham per ride, and give visitors a chance to witness the rich culture of Dubai from a unique perspective.
Dubai residents like Aneesh often commute to work via abra boats. On a typical day, he takes four abra rides. He says that it is a much more economical and time-saving option than taking a taxi to the office every morning.
Explore Dubai’s old neighborhoods on this half-day tour. Visit the historic sites of Bastakiya, Al Fahidi Fort (Dubai Museum), and the famous Gold, Textile, and Spice Souks. Learn about the history of Dubai, its people, food, and etiquette. Then, take a stroll on the banks of Dubai Creek and watch merchant ships pass by. The experience is sure to be a memorable one. Dubai City of Gold