Dubai Gold Souk (Dubai Gold Market), Dubai (must see)

Looking to bring home a shiny souvenir or maybe treat yourself to something special? Head over to the Dubai Gold Souk (also known as Deira Gold Souk).

Step through the grand wooden gates, and you’ll find yourself in a treasure trove straight out of an Arabian Nights tale—only here, the gold is real (unlike those street sellers who might try to foist the fake on you). Inside, you’ll be greeted by over 300 shops offering a dazzling array of gold, platinum, diamonds, emeralds, and rubies. It's like walking into a glittering world of luxury.

Each shop has its own unique display, and the master craftsmen are ready to personalize any piece you fancy. Whether you’re after classic designs or modern flair, you’ll find something in every shade of gold—green, red, pink, white, yellow, and sometimes even platinum or silver.

Now, don’t be fooled by the absence of price tags. When you ask for the price, it might sound a little steep, but don’t fret—this is where the fun begins! Haggling is the name of the game, and if you’ve got the chops, you could knock the price down by half. New to the art of negotiation? No problem. Keep a straight face, pretend to walk away, if needed, and watch the prices drop. If you don’t get your deal in one shop, there’s always another around the corner—believe it, the merchants know this trick well!

Here’s a tip: Aim for at least a 15-20% discount on the making charges, since the price of gold by weight is usually fixed.

The souk’s open all year long, but it truly sparkles when the sun sets, with every corner twinkling and glittering—making it the perfect spot for an evening stroll...