What's the one thing that Dubai has been famous for almost all through it's recent history? Even when it wasn't this thriving, modern glass metropolis? It's Gold Souk of course! Dubai has been synonymous with gold, at least in the Indian sub-continent, and, I suspect everywhere else too. So it was natural, that when we have visitors, we take them to see the gold souk.
I last remember coming to the Gold Souk in 1992, when I had come to Dubai on work, and of course, the Gold Souk had been recommended as a must see. I remember walking through alleys lined on either side with shops with gold glittering in the windows. I have a distinct recollection of horses made of solid gold, which I think successfully put me off buying any gold on that trip - tragically of course, given that gold prices are now practically unaffordable!
Located in the heart of Dubai's commercial district Diera - the idyllic way to reach the Souk is to go to Bur Dubai and take the Abra (local boats) to the Souk. I think its barely a 10 min journey in toto, and, a very enjoyable one!
Purportedly, at any time, there is about 10 tons of gold in the Souk in every conceivable form - from rings, necklaces to bracelets, coins and bars! The stratospheric price of gold seems to have done away with the horses though, sigh!The mind boggles, at even comprehending the value of all that gold! India of course, is Dubai's largest buyer of gold, so it isn't a surprise that many of the shopkeepers are of Indian origin!
The place is atmospheric with show window after show window dressed in glittering gold, and you have the option of choosing modern designs from known names like ARY, Damas etc or more traditional stuff from smaller retailers. I have been told that you can haggle, but not having bought anything so far, don't really know!
Over the past few years, a number of shops have sprung up by the side selling "fake" watches and leather goods! We had someone show us fake watches ranging from Cartier to Rolex to Phillip Patek!
There is a Gold & Diamond Park on Sheikh Zayed Road, which I understand is cheaper than the Gold Souk and any design that you want can be easily replicated by the craftsmen there, but I think the Gold Souk is worth a visit, not only to buy gold, but to soak in the atmosphere and take a look at what's been such an integral part of Dubai's history!
Route to the Gold Souk by road
1.Take Al Wasl Road and continue down the road, past the New Gold Souk. Alernately, you can take Sheikh Zayed Road and take Exit 51 and use that exit to go on to Al Wasl Road (exit in the direction of Jumeirah)
2. Keep left in the direction of Shindhaga tunnel (see signs), the road turns right.
3. Enter the tunnel, and, take the 1st right after the tunnel, do a u-turn and continue tillyou reach Al Maha hotel.
4. There is a sign for Damas jewellers immediately after Al Maha hotel, take left at this sign.
5. The Gold Souk is in front of you!
Route to the Gold Souk by Metro
1. Take the metro on the red line going towards Jaflia. (I would board at MOE). Get off at Khalid bin Waleed metro station.
2. Change from red to green line on the metro.
3. Take the green line metro going towards Etisalat station
4. Get down at Palm Diera station.
5. From here the Gold Souk is walking distance.
Route to the Gold Souk by Metro & Abra
1. Take the metro on the red line going towards Jaflia. (I would board at MOE). Get off at Khalid bin Waleed metro station.
2. Change from red to green line on the metro.
3. Take the green line metro going towards Etisalat station
4. Get down at Ghubaiba station
5. From here walk (10 mins)or take a taxi to the Abra station that will drop you to the Gold Souk.
I last remember coming to the Gold Souk in 1992, when I had come to Dubai on work, and of course, the Gold Souk had been recommended as a must see. I remember walking through alleys lined on either side with shops with gold glittering in the windows. I have a distinct recollection of horses made of solid gold, which I think successfully put me off buying any gold on that trip - tragically of course, given that gold prices are now practically unaffordable!
Located in the heart of Dubai's commercial district Diera - the idyllic way to reach the Souk is to go to Bur Dubai and take the Abra (local boats) to the Souk. I think its barely a 10 min journey in toto, and, a very enjoyable one!
Purportedly, at any time, there is about 10 tons of gold in the Souk in every conceivable form - from rings, necklaces to bracelets, coins and bars! The stratospheric price of gold seems to have done away with the horses though, sigh!The mind boggles, at even comprehending the value of all that gold! India of course, is Dubai's largest buyer of gold, so it isn't a surprise that many of the shopkeepers are of Indian origin!
Over the past few years, a number of shops have sprung up by the side selling "fake" watches and leather goods! We had someone show us fake watches ranging from Cartier to Rolex to Phillip Patek!
There is a Gold & Diamond Park on Sheikh Zayed Road, which I understand is cheaper than the Gold Souk and any design that you want can be easily replicated by the craftsmen there, but I think the Gold Souk is worth a visit, not only to buy gold, but to soak in the atmosphere and take a look at what's been such an integral part of Dubai's history!
Route to the Gold Souk by road
1.Take Al Wasl Road and continue down the road, past the New Gold Souk. Alernately, you can take Sheikh Zayed Road and take Exit 51 and use that exit to go on to Al Wasl Road (exit in the direction of Jumeirah)
2. Keep left in the direction of Shindhaga tunnel (see signs), the road turns right.
3. Enter the tunnel, and, take the 1st right after the tunnel, do a u-turn and continue tillyou reach Al Maha hotel.
4. There is a sign for Damas jewellers immediately after Al Maha hotel, take left at this sign.
5. The Gold Souk is in front of you!
Route to the Gold Souk by Metro
1. Take the metro on the red line going towards Jaflia. (I would board at MOE). Get off at Khalid bin Waleed metro station.
2. Change from red to green line on the metro.
3. Take the green line metro going towards Etisalat station
4. Get down at Palm Diera station.
5. From here the Gold Souk is walking distance.
Route to the Gold Souk by Metro & Abra
1. Take the metro on the red line going towards Jaflia. (I would board at MOE). Get off at Khalid bin Waleed metro station.
2. Change from red to green line on the metro.
3. Take the green line metro going towards Etisalat station
4. Get down at Ghubaiba station
5. From here walk (10 mins)or take a taxi to the Abra station that will drop you to the Gold Souk.
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ReplyDeleteI appreciate the research and effort put into this article, it's clear that you have a passion for this topic.
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