The Gold Souk offers everyone setting foot in Dubai, an overwhelming display of gold in seemingly countless forms. An average of over 25 tons of gold are said to be in display at any given time and they are sold by weight. Dubai is definitely the ‘City of Gold‘–literally.
A good thing about the gold souks in Dubai is that, there is always something in gold for everybody. Gold of all colors like white, yellow and red, can be found in almost every imaginable forms of jewelry like bracelets, watches, earrings and many more. They can also be set with expensive valuable stones and their price range varies. This is where the ‘art of haggling’ would come in handy because when the shopkeeper says the price, you could get to have the item 60% cheaper if you’re good at bargaining.
If you are planning to buy a piece of gold jewelry for your significant other, or just buy it for some form of investment, your trip to the Gold Souk of Dubai would definitely be worth it. The savings you can get here may even cover the cost of your travel. If buying is not what you have in mind, the experience in visiting the gold souk would still be worth your while. Your eyes could drink in the magnificence of the displayed pieces there and you’d get to appreciate the craftsmanship.
Haggling is entirely a normal thing when in Dubai–in fact, many people hop from one stall to another just to listen to others haggling. If you are a bit shy at first, you’ll find out sooner or later that gradually, you become used to it and would enjoy doing it yourself. It is however important to note that the seller keeps a minimum price in mind. The expert haggler could beat him or her to the price while some, who are not yet good at haggling, could end up paying more than the price they should have gotten the piece for.
The price of gold items in Dubai, as mentioned earlier, is sold by weight. This means that the price is the current price of gold plus the amount they charge in making the item. What people haggle over actually is the making charge because the sellers will definitely sell below the standard price of gold. It would make quite some sense if you visit the gold souk armed with the knowledge about gold’s current price and the average making price. This way, you can get the item for a price that is agreeable to you and of course, the seller.
The best time to visit the gold souk would be in the evening because it can get really busy during the day. You definitely would enjoy the trip more if you are not on heels–comfortable shoes are definitely a must when in Dubai because you definitely will do a lot of walking.
The gold souk is not entirely offering just gold. There are many stores offering precious and semi-precious stones. Silver and platinum could also be found and other metals and alloys. If gold is not really your thing, you can go to fabric shops. There is also a variety of gift shops in the area.
You can find the Gold Souk on the Deira side of the Creek. To say that you actually have gone to Dubai means that you must not miss visiting the Gold Souk–it is a good advice therefore to practice haggling and be ready to have a blast on your visit.