Over the weekend, we made a trip to the Dubai Gold Souk. For those who are unfamiliar with the term “souk”, it means a traditional market. Of all the souks in Dubai, the Gold Souk is perhaps the most famous and most visited. After all, Dubai has one of the lowest gold prices in the world.
It is embarrassing to say it’s our first time setting foot on this place despite living almost 2 years in Dubai. I guess when you live in a place, the daily life gets to you and you don’t really fancy doing the touristy stuff??
Since my parents and mother-in-law were here, we wanted them to experience Old Dubai (the more traditional and historical part of Dubai, where the Gold Souk is). We tried going to the Gold Souk on Friday night. The atmosphere was definitely better. There was a lot of people and the lights coupled with the brilliance from all the gold can almost blind you. But after circling around and waiting forever for a parking lot (and still couldn’t get one), we decided to come again the next morning.
Though we arrived the next morning shortly after the Gold Souk opened, parking was still scarce. We were really lucky to have found a lot. It would probably be better to go down Bur Dubai and cross the creek by taking the Abra (water taxi).
This gigantic gold and diamond bracelet inspired by Cleopatra must be their 鎮店之寶
There is a huge number of shops in the Gold Souk selling mainly jewelry and watches. The jewelry displayed on shop windows at the Gold Souk are nowhere near discreet. They are loud, flashy and flamboyant. I wonder if anyone will really buy or wear them. Even watches are adorned with lots of diamonds and gems, all set locally. With this much gold and gems, it’s no wonder there are also lots of police patrolling the area.
If you intent to buy something at the Gold Souk, be sure to put your haggling skills to work. Gold is sold by weight, based on the daily gold rate. So what you can bargain on is mainly the craftsmanship.
As the Gold Souk is near the Fish Market, be prepared to get whiffs of fishy smell while you shop.
Dubai Gold Souk
Address: Deira (near Baniyas Square) Sikkat al-Khail Street, Dubai, UAE
Opening Hours: Saturday to Thursday 10:00 to 22:00, Friday 16:00 to 22:00
