Check your social calendar. Is it time for your jewellery collection to undergo a little upgrade? Are you sick of silver and want to stock up on jewellery of a more cheerful, sun-warmed hue? Then allow yourself to be seduced by the glistening and gleaming offerings of the world-renowned Dubai Gold Souk, one of the best locations to score some prime gold jewellery at rock-bottom prices.
If you compared the gold available at the Dubai Gold Souk to some of the wares available in India, for instance, the quality of Dubai’s offerings simply cannot be surpassed. The honeyed hues gleam with a brighter aura and a pristine quality that is absolutely matchless in comparison. You’ll be smacked silly with glittering delights as soon as you enter the Souq, which features over 300 retailers whose exclusive mode of trade are bejewelled offerings along the lines of rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and everything in between. You’ll be amazed at the sheer range of glistening (well-priced!) trinkets on offer, from the likes of such reputed retailers as Damas, Shyam Jewellery, ARY Jewellery, and Joy Alukkas, to name but a few major retailers.
You will also find a plethora of smaller shops proudly plying their ways amongst the big boys, serving as able competitors amidst the gold bustle. It is no easy feat to contemplate that at any given time, the total weight of gold at the souk amounts to around ten tons, easy. A new feature lately installed at the souq is the Gold and Diamond Park, which accommodates both international and local merchants, and the quality of the wares are original and indisputable.
The souk is easy to find, as it is located in Deira, which is the heart of Dubai’s commercial business district, and it is within walking distance of the Dubai bus stand. Alternatively, you could also embark on the Dubai Metro straight to Al Ghubaiba and then take a boat ride across the creek from Bur Dubai. From there on, the souq is an approximate five-minute walk from the Old Souk marine station.
Dubai is able to offer such competitive prices on gold ware owing to the free trade policy established in the emirate during the 1940s, which spurred gold trade from the neighbouring country of Iran, as well as India, which spurred an influx of gold merchants at the souq. In recent years, India has emerged as the largest purchaser of Dubai gold, accounting for about 23% of the emirate’s gold trade in 2005 and 68% of the diamond trade. Switzerland is Dubai’s largest supplier of gold ingots. With such variety and quality suffusing its surrounds, the gold souq and its scintillating new park present a truly “golden” era of gold trading in Dubai.
To truly savour the offerings of this world-class emirate, check into one of the fine options for Accommodation in Dubai which boasts sumptuous elegance and worldly renown for an unforgettable stay. Consider The Palm as a host for your next foray into the emirate, as this stylish Jumeirah Beach Hotel ushers in a new era of luxury living.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.