By Dubai Gold Souk : Satisfy your Gold Lust
Yes… The location is Dubai. Have you expected anything else? I am sure not.
Be it the shopping for this coming Dhanteras or to see the biggest ring in the world (weighing 64 Kg) or to have a look at the life-size gold armor or just to satisfy your gold lust, there is no alternative than the Dubai Gold Souk or Gold Souk.
Dubai Gold Souk is a traditional market in Dubai, UAE; which is dedicated to Gold and the gold lovers. The traditionally markets are known as “Souk” in Middle Eastern countries and North African countries. Dubai has its own Gold Souk, Spice Souk etc.
Dubai Gold Souk
Located in the area called Deira, under the old part of the Dubai City; Dubai Gold Souk is the world’s oldest, largest, and one-of-a-kind market is dedicated to only one commodity called Gold. The strangest thing is to see that there is no security outside the shops.
Dubai is famous for its luxurious centrally air-conditioned massive malls with all the modern brands. But when you enter the Gold Souk, you will feel that you are in a market from an old era. The contrast between these two worlds is striking, but there is one common string and that is the display of wealth.
A maze of covered walkway with glittering shops on each sidewill mesmerize you.If you want to buy something or not, Gold Souk should be on the list ofyour must visited place of Dubai.
What to expect in Gold Souk
From verity of intricate gold ornaments to massive gold sculptures you can find everything in this walkway. If you are into stones then you can get certified precious stones like rubies, emeralds, pearls and diamonds from many shops.
You can get different types of gold as per your requirement. The variety starts from the mixed 18 carats gold and upto 21, 22 & 24 carats gold. And yes, you don’t have to worry about the quality or authenticity of the gold because of the strict regulation by the Dubai government.
Believe it or not, you can satisfy your curving for bargain in these shops too. Some of the shops set a high price for their products for tourists. If you good at bargain then I am sure you will get a good deal for yourself.
Shopping
You can explore over 300 retailors lined up on the either side of the traditional market. The vendors are really polite and they will show you the jewelleries and give you the price after measuring the weight.
Window Shopping
If you don’t want to purchase gold or any precious stones, then also Dubai Gold Souk will be a feast for your eyes. Just stroll through the narrow walkway, I am sure you will be dazzled to see the glittering gold all around you. And if gold fails to impress you then the small shacks and the shopkeepers will defiantly do. Gold Souk is one of the most prominent tourist spot of Dubai. It attracts tourists from all over the world. Gathering of so many people with various ethnic, socio-political background really impressed me.
Gold to Go
I am sure that we all know what an ATM is. But,have you heard about a Gold Vending machine? This is an unique concept in Dubai. You can get one, five or ten grams of Gold Coins from the ATM like machines.
Food
The roads outside the Gold Souk is famous for various kind of foods. You can get all kind of delicacies here but I liked the Arabic foods. You can get testy shawarmas in every corner of the Deira area.
Nearby attractions
There are many other attractions near the Gold Souk. Here is a small list:
Spice Souk
If you can smell the exotic spices, then be sure that the Spice Souk is nearby. You can bargain and purchase some of the most best quality exotic spices and herbs. The vendors can speak many languages and they have a unique magical power to detect your country of origin. This seems really spooky.
Heritage House
One of the main attraction of Old Dubai is an old building of an old Pearl Merchant. The building is now converted into a museum which showcases the traditional Emarati lifestyle and architecture of 19th century.
Al Fahidi Historical District
Al FahidiHistorial District is one of the highly recommended tourist spot of Dubai. If you are in the vicinity of Gold Souk then you should not miss this gem. With most of the original infrastructure preserved, you can get a good understanding of the Emirati culture of the 19th century. The place is formerly known as Bastakiya Quarters, the place is now restored beautifully keeping the old structure in mind. The place is now full of museums, cafes craft shops, galleries and few boutique hotels.
Women’s Museum
A visit to the nearby Women’s Museum named Bait Al Banat will give you an overall idea of contribution of Emirati women in building the rich history of UAE.
Link: http://www.womenmuseumuae.com/
Perfume Souk
In the same vicinity you will find the Perfume Souk. You can purchase exotic traditional Arabic fragrances from the shops of the Perfume Souk. You can also get a personalized perfume made according to your taste and skin type.
How to reach Gold Souk
Dubai Gold Souk is located in the old Dubai, the area is called Deira. The Gold Souk is on the opposite site of the creek. The Gold Souk is around 8.5 Km away from the International Ariport.
If you are staying in New Dubai or in the nearby areas of Sheikh Zayed Road then you can avail Metro to reach the Gold Souk.Al Ras Station is 10 minutes by walk from the Gold Souk in Deira.
What I will suggest is to get down at the Al Ghubaiba metro station then take a small stroll to the Al Ghubaiba Merin Transport Station and hope on an Abra or the water taxi to cross the creek. The Abra will take you to the other side where the Gold Souk is located. Al Ras Station is 10 minutes by walk from the Gold Souk in Deira.
Best time to visit Dubai
The best time to visit Dubai, is from November to March, when the weather is pleasant. During this time the Gold Souk is full of tourists from all over the world. If you really want to purchase some good amount of gold then off-season is the best time to visit.
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