Dubai Gold Souk

The basics

While visitors shopping for gold can land some incredible deals in the Dubai Gold Souk, even non-shoppers will be impressed by the sheer spectacle. The souk is a popular stop on guided shopping tours, which help visitors navigate the more than 300 retailers. Many comprehensive city tours also include a visit to the Dubai Gold Souk along with trips to the Dubai Museum, Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Al Arab, and Burj Khalifa. The souk is also a stop on hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tours.

Things to know before you go

• The Dubai Gold Souk is a must for shopping enthusiasts.

• Be prepared for a bit of friendly haggling to land the best deals.

• Combine your visit to the Dubai Gold Souk with a sightseeing tour of the city or a visit to the nearby Spice Souk.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes—you’ll spend a lot of time on your feet.

• The Dubai Gold Souk complex is wheelchair accessible, but some stores in the souk are not.

How to get there

Centrally located in Dubai City, the Gold Souk is easily reached via the Green Line to Al Ras metro station. It’s also a stop on hop-on hop-off tours and many city sightseeing tours with transportation included.

When to get there

The Gold Souk is open year round. Hours vary by shop, but most are open from 10am to 10pm Saturday through Thursday and 4pm to 10pm on Friday. The shops within the market often close between 1 and 4pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

Getting the best deals

There are plenty of deals to be had at the Gold Souk. Before you go, check the current price of gold, as this fluctuates daily. As long as you stick to the shops rather than the street vendors, there’s no need to worry about the authenticity of the gold for sale; the Dubai government maintains strict regulations. Don’t be afraid to shop around a bit before you buy, and remember that friendly haggling is expected—and you can often negotiate a better price by paying in cash.

What is the Dubai Gold Souk and where is it located in Dubai?

The Dubai Gold Souk is a traditional covered market with hundreds of shops selling gold jewelry, in addition to silver, platinum, diamond, pearls, and precious gems. It’s located in the Deira neighborhood of Dubai, accessible by public transportation, taxi, private car, or as part of some sightseeing tours.

What are the opening hours of the Dubai Gold Souk?

The Dubai Gold Souk is open every day, year-round. Opening hours vary between shops, but most are open from 10am until 10pm from Saturday to Thursday, and from 4pm to 10pm on Fridays. Many shops close between 1pm-4pm.

How do I get to the Dubai Gold Souk using public transportation in Dubai?

You can take the Green Line metro to the Al Ras or Gold Souq stations. Bus 8 stops nearby at the Gold Souq bus station. You can also take an abra boat from the Bur Dubai Abra station, which takes you across Dubai Creek to Deira Old Souk Abra station.

Are bargaining and haggling common at the Dubai Gold Souk?

Yes, bargaining is customary and expected at the Dubai Gold Souk. Most shops will have prices marked up to factor in some haggling. While the price of the gold is set based on weight, you can bargain based on the craftsmanship.

Are there any reputable gold shops or sellers recommended at the Dubai Gold Souk?

The Dubai Gold Souk is heavily regulated by the Dubai government, which carries out regular inspections to check scales for accuracy and test samples of gold and other jewelry. As long as you’re buying from the shops within the souk, you can be confident that your purchases are authentic.

What are some tips for buying gold or jewelry at the Dubai Gold Souk?

When buying gold or jewelry at the Dubai Gold Souk, be aware of the current price of gold and be sure to look around, as there are more than 300 shops. Don’t be afraid to bargain over the price—you can get better discounts if paying in cash or buying in volume. When you purchase from a participating retailer, keep your receipt if you want to claim VAT back as a tourist.

Ways to explore

Dubai’s Gold Souk figures highly on Dubai tours. The vast majority of group and private city excursions combine the souk with stops at other must-sees, such as the Burj Al Arab and Dubai Marina. Options span everything from customized private layovers to city highlights that incorporate Burj Khalifa entry.

To visit the souk independently, take a hop-on hop-off bus that stops nearby and dive in. Alternatively, join tours that delve deeper into the souk; choices include Deira walking tours that incorporate food tastings, a water taxi (abra) ride down the Dubai Creek, and cultural visits.

Accessibility

The souk is mostly wheelchair and stroller accessible, with numerous flat pathways and a ramped entrance. People using wheelchairs may find some of the souk’s narrower alleyways challenging.

Age limits

While there are no visitor age limits, some shops may restrict children from entering their premises.

What to pack

Bottled water, credit card, passport (tourists with passports can claim a VAT refund on gold purchases)

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, modest clothing covering your knees and shoulders

Not allowed

Visitors should refrain from public displays of affection, rude or aggressive haggling, and wearing revealing clothing.

Amenities

Pay restrooms, Wi-Fi in some areas in and around the souk

Address 

Located just north of Dubai Creek in Deira, Dubai’s Gold Souk is easily reachable by car and public transportation. However, booking one of the many Dubai tours that visit the souk is perhaps the most convenient way to get here.

Driving

Follow Sheikh Zayed Road north, then exit at Al Mustaqbal Street/D86 to get on Umm Hurair Road/D78. Continue until you reach the souq. Parking is available around Al Kabeer and Al Khor Streets.

Public transportation

Ride Dubai Metro’s Green Line to Al Ras or Gold Souq station, a roughly 10-minute walk from the souk. Alternatively, public buses serve Deira’s nearby Gold Souq Bus Station, including the 27 bus from Dubai Mall.

Best times to visit

To enjoy the souk at its quietest, arrive mid-morning or late evening—it’s usually at its busiest and hottest during other times. Be aware that some shops close between 1–4pm.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are good as they’re typically quieter than weekends (Friday–Sunday). Bear in mind that store hours can vary on Fridays.

Best months to visit

Dubai’s November–March tourist season is the most comfortable for strolling around the souk, which gets very hot in the summer. However, you’ll experience fewer crowds at other times of year.

Special events

The souk is magical during the Dubai Shopping Festival every December and January. Expect special deals and promotions, as well as festive lights festooned along the lanes.