Gold Souk Deira.
Advantages Selection is great, prices- the cheapest or one of the cheapest in the World.
Disadvantages Too many small shops and traipsing through all of them can be tiresome.
Detailed Rating
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| Is it worth visiting? | |
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| Family Friendly |
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.
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:-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:-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.
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TheHairyGodmother 14/06/2007 12:48
rd52169 11/06/2007 17:21
christianfilmcritic 11/06/2007 10:07
fizzytom 10/06/2007 19:29
A richly interesting review. You describe it beautifully...Tony x