Gold Souk, Dubai

Location and Travel :-
The Gold Souk is in the Deira part of Dubai. If you happen to be staying in Bur Dubai you can take either a bus or a taxi to the Gold Souk. As it is so famous you need not tell the driver the location, he will take you there. From Bur Dubai the easiest way to go is through the Al Shindaga tunnel as you will have to cross the Creek. If you are staying in Deira, it might be either walkable or a short cab drive away. Plenty of local maps are available--the tourist desk at your hotel should be able to provide you with one.When visiting the Gold souk it is also worthwhile to step into the nearby fish market which is really huge and displays a wide array of fish, prawns and crabs(you will be surprised at their different colours).
In the gold souk there is loads to walk so tired legs are inevitable at the end of the day.

Prices/Money exchange:-
The price of gold is fixed for the day and tend to change from day to day-albeit slightly, in response to the world gold market. But you will find it to be marginally cheaper than elsewhere. I think it must be because taxes are less or nil. Though the price of gold per gram is fixed , what changes from retailer to retailer, and from jewellery to jewellery is the 'making charge'. Most shoppers, especially those from the western world are unaware of this fact. So it is on this making charge that one has to haggle. Most sellers offer a discount when asked, especially if you are paying with cash. So it is a good idea to take some local currency with you if you are planning to make a purchase.

There are 1 or 2 exchange houses in the vicinity of the gold souk but you cant depend on their opeing times. I went at midday and they were closed. They are supposed to be open after 5pm in the evening as it is then that there are more buyers.

Sellers and their Wares:-
What amazes one when you step into the Maze called the gold Souk is the breathtaking array of Gold Jewellery on display. There are so many retailers offering so many styles. You can purchase Italian cut jewellery, Singapore style jewellery, or Ethnic Arabian and Indian too. There does seem to be a preponderence of Indian style jewellery as many of the retailers hail from South India.

The Arabian and Indian ornaments tend to be more chunky. Delicate designs in Singapore or Italian style is also available. A new trend at the Gold souk is to sell Silver Jewellery that are coated with Gold so that they look the same but cost much less.I must say that it is a good buy as some expensive items that look ablsolutely gorgeous could be had in silver at a fraction of the price and would look no different.(in fact I personally bought much a coordinated piece albeit from the new Gold souk.

Colour and Carat:-
Gold can be purchased not only in the rich yellow 24ct form but also in shades of pink, white and yellow. Jewellery in 24,22,20,18ct etc may be available, so the price you pay should reflect the purity. You can also but precious stones from the Gold souk.

Additional tips:-
1. Try as much as possible to visit the gold souk in the evening as it is supposed to be breathtaking in thenight with all the lights illuminating the displays.
2. Wear comfortable footware--sandals preferred for both men and women. Trainers are very uncomfortable.
3. Take some activity books along with plenty of drinks if you are taking kids as they can get quite bored with the whole process.
4. Take a good look around and check prices at a few shops before making a purchase.
5. Carry cash--you get a better bargain!
Good Luck!!
P.S. There is a New Gold Souk in Bur Dubai now and I think its on Al Mina Road. The Jweleers there deal more with Precious stones/Gems. Also worth a visit.