Thing to do
Abra ride across Dubai Creek
A short crossing of Dubai Creek on a traditional wooden abra, the cheapest and most atmospheric way to travel between Bur Dubai and the Deira souks.
Deira Gold Souk
Deira's covered gold market, where lanes of jewellers display necklaces, bangles and bridal sets in their windows, close to the spice souk and Dubai Creek.
At a glance
- Type
- Traditional market
- Area
- Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Good to know
- Free entry
- Covered lanes
Why we recommend it
The Gold Souk is one of the defining sights of old Deira: a covered network of lanes lined with several hundred jewellers whose windows are stacked with necklaces, bangles, rings, coins and elaborate bridal sets. Even if you have no intention of buying, the sheer quantity of gold on show makes it worth a slow walk, and it gives a sense of the trading city that existed long before the towers of Downtown Dubai.
Most shops sell 18, 21, 22 and 24 carat gold alongside diamonds, pearls and gemstones, and many will make or adjust pieces to order. One shop displays a gold ring so large it holds a Guinness world record, and it draws a steady stream of visitors with cameras. Prices are based on the weight of the item and that day's gold rate, plus a making charge for the craftsmanship. The gold rate is fixed, but the making charge is where polite bargaining happens, so compare a few shops before committing. Ask for a receipt that states the carat and weight.
Hours vary from shop to shop, but most trade from the morning until late in the evening. Evenings are the liveliest time, when the lanes are lit and busy with families and shoppers. The covered sections offer shade, but in the summer months the cooler hours after sunset are much more comfortable. Allow an hour to browse, longer if you plan to buy.
Expect some approaches from touts offering copy watches and bags in the surrounding streets; a firm no thank you is enough. Dress is relaxed, though modest clothing is sensible in this traditional area. The lanes are level but can be crowded, which makes buggies hard work at busy times.
The souk is in Al Ras, a short walk from the Spice Souk and the Deira Old Souk abra station. The most enjoyable approach is to cross Dubai Creek from Bur Dubai by abra for one dirham, then walk through the spice stalls to the gold lanes. Al Ras station on the Green Line is also close by. Combine the visit with the Spice Souk, a creekside walk past the moored dhows and, across the water, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and Al Shindagha Museum.
Deira Gold Souk FAQs
Can you bargain?
The gold is priced by weight at the day's rate, but the making charge is usually negotiable.
Is it free to visit?
Yes, the souk is a public market and free to walk around.
When is it busiest?
Evenings, when the lanes are lit and families come to shop.
What should I check when buying?
Ask for a receipt stating the carat and weight, and compare a few shops first.
How do I get there from Bur Dubai?
Take an abra across the creek to the Deira Old Souk landing and walk through the Spice Souk.
Is there a Metro station nearby?
Yes, Al Ras station on the Green Line is a short walk away.
How long should I allow?
About an hour to browse, longer if you plan to buy.
What else is nearby?
The Spice Souk, the dhow wharves on Dubai Creek and the abra stations to Bur Dubai.