Gold Souk

To experience a true taste of what makes the Arabian Peninsula so exotically tantalising, a visit to the Gold Souk is a must, whether you intend to purchase or just want to ogle. Hundreds of stores stand next to each other offering a remarkable variety of gold, platinum, diamonds, pearls, emeralds, rubies and more, all at exceptional prices. Window after window display everything from bracelets and necklaces to rings and brooches.

All items are genuine, with most of the jewellery ranging from 21 to 24-carat and certainly nothing less than 18!

As one of the most popular attractions in Dubai, the Gold Souk can afford some of the lowest prices for gold in the world. It is priced according to weight and the daily rate, which is based on that day's international gold rate, is displayed in most of the store windows. You may choose to invest by purchasing gold bars, and some jewellery stores will accept the trade of old gold for new gold.

As jewellery prices are rarely on display, you will need to brush up on your bargaining skills and barter with store owners. When a proprietor gives you a price, try asking for a further discount for paying in cash, or pretend to walk away. Haggle your way to some great bargains for a fun and memorable day out.

A trip to The Gold Souk really is an exhilarating experience. The most rewarding time to go is in the evening when, not only is the temperature cooler, but the narrow walkways are illuminated by the reflection of the shop lights in the omnipresent jewels and precious metals.

The opulent setting of The Gold Souk is in Deira. Convenient parking is not always easy to find but, with transportation options including water taxis (abra), buses or the metro, getting there shouldn't be a problem.

The Gold Souk is open daily, with the majority of shops opening from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., closing for a few hours, then reopening again from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m. at night. On Fridays, stores open at 4 p.m.