I haven't been to the Gold Souk since 1998 when I was in the Navy, but it is an experience that I will never forget. I still wear the jewlery that I bought from there and it still looks like brand new. If I ever had to live anywhere else in the world it would be Dubai. I loved everything about it when I was stationed there. I don't have my pictures that I took of the Souk with me, but the Gold Souk just popped into my head and I had to give my review of it. I know it is way better than since I've been, that's why I can't wait to go back. If I'm ever blessed with getting back over there that will be my first stop.

I was in Dubia for the night and visited the Gold Souk. I had no problems getting there or leaving when in came time to get a taxi. Just remember where they dropped you off as this is the only place to get a taxi. Its not hard to get caught up in the awe of the shops. Make sure you barter as they expect it. I made a few amazing purchases while I was there that were worth 3X's what I paid. Look around as alot of the shops have the same items and will be priced differently in each shop. Have fun, the staff are friendly and helpful. But they do try to push a sale. Hey it retail thats there job. Happy Shopping!

I had the chance to visit the Gold Souk while in Dubai and have to say that it is worth seeing. The Gold Souk is a large area of shops all selling gold and diamond jewelry. Upon arriving the taxi drops you off on the main road and you have to walk about a block before you get to the main shopping area.

I was there at around 7:00 PM and the place was packed. I went there alone and at first felt a bit nervous, but the feeling quickly dissipated as I realized that it is a safe place with lots of police. A couple of things I noted while there; Do not expect to find an ATM anywhere near this place…. I searched and never found one. Also, I found it impossible to get a taxi when I was ready to leave, they seem to have only one drop off and pick up place for taxis and there is absolutely no order it is simply chaos, my suggestion (and what I ended up doing) is to walk about two blocks to the Grand Hyatt Hotel, once you are there getting a taxi is a breeze, plus they have a nice lobby restaurant where you can grab a bite.

The Dubai gold souk is world renowned and on my first strip there many years ago I parted with a lot of money. On first sight the glitter of the shops can induce dizziness and that’s before you start spending money!!

The souk itself is an area of side streets, mini malls and the main area and as I have said earlier it can overcome you with the crowds and the hot weather.

I am fortunate that my wife is knowledgeable about her jewellery and she does not spend money at the first shop she encounters. Normally we will visit several shops to look around. Although it feels like several dozen to me. My wife will look around, ask for prices, and do some mild bartering.

I suppose the fact that she is knowledgeable does help that she will be taken seriously. When she is ready to buy she will return later for some hard haggling and we always end up going to some of the regular shops that we tend to visit each time we go to Dubai.

Most of the shop owners and people who work here are from the Indian sub continent. The range of jewellery in the shops is extensive but there is always a concentration of Asian designed jewellery and price is based on example of the daily price of gold per ounce with the price of craftsmanship added on (which should be no more than 20 dirham’s per ounce).

I cannot stress the importance of bartering, as these shops seem to stick a price on the jewellery seemingly plucked from the air. The final bartered price could be as much as 70% less.

I suppose a lot of people visit the souk to look around but most end up purchasing something at the end.