Like any major world metropolis, there is an abundance of designer jewelry and watch boutiques in Dubai. Pick anything from Graff, Cartier, Harry Winston, or Tiffany & Co. and you will find it. Yet what makes Dubai a bit more unique on the jewelry side is the city’s special relationship with the gold trade. Located at the crossroads of trade between the East and the West, Dubai has played a leading role in the global market for gold and diamonds earning the title “City of Gold.” The Gold Souk (souk means “market” in Arabic) and the recently opened Gold and Diamond Park are among the following exceptional places to scavenge for beautiful watches and jewelry in Dubai.
The Gold Souk
Otherwise known as the “City of Gold”, the Gold Souk is a traditional market located in Deira containing more than 300 retailers that trade exclusively in fine jewelry. Vendors include well-established houses in the Middle East such as Damas and Prima Gold as well as smaller stores that can be found just in the souk. Some have estimated that at any given time approximately 10 tons of gold is present in the Dubai Gold Souk. If you are not pleased with what you find on display, it is common to ask a jeweler to design an item for you. The gold on order is crafted in India and offered in several shades. The most popular jewelry is 24-karat but one can also get 18, 21, and 22 karat. Very strict laws regulate the authenticity of gold, so if a shop attendant says it is 24-karat then it probably is. You can also get rings, bracelets, money clips, watches, and tiaras. The souk is a Dubai landmark; a real East meets West attraction and one-stop for quality jewelry purchasing. The Gold Souk is open Saturday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Friday from 4 to 10 p.m.
Gold and Diamond Park
Recently opened in 2001, the Gold and Diamond Park is a specialty mall with an unrivalled selection of 60 leading retailers showcasing exquisite collections of gold, diamonds, and fine gems. The “park” is only for those wishing to buy quality jewelry. The atmosphere is not exceptional but the collection as well as the service are remarkable. Jewelers in the park know their craft and will offer guidance in selecting the right piece. Among the retailers included are Arabian Gems, Al Nobala Diamonds, and Al Liali Jewelers. Open Saturday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Al Fardan Jewelry
Another jewelry titan in the Middle East region is the Al Fardan Jewelry Group. The company was first established in Qatar before it extended throughout the Gulf region. It is owned by the Al Fardan family and operated by brothers Hasan and Husein Al Fardan, sons of the founder Ibrahim Al Fardan. Now running for more than a century, the group was one of the pioneers in the region for pearls and precious stones. It now represents more than 30 of the best-loved brands including Chaumet, De Grisogono, Harry Winston, and Chopard.
Pure Gold
An award-winning jewelry retailer in the UAE and the GCC, Pure Gold has a wide range of exclusive brands featuring jewelry crafted from gold, diamonds, pearls and precious and semi-precious stones. The brand is one of the fastest growing jewelry houses in the UAE and has 75 retail outlets across the GCC. It has also received prestigious recognition for customer service from the Dubai Department of Economic Development and the Dubai Gold and Jewelry Group—a true fine jewelry shopping experience.
