Buy Gold United Arab Emirates

Market overview. The UAE — particularly Dubai's Gold Souk — is one of the world's largest gold trading hubs. Karats sold: 24K (investment), 22K (popular for jewellery investment), 21K (Gulf-style jewellery), 18K (European/luxury designs). Prices quoted per gram in UAE Dirham (AED).

Where to buy. (1) Dubai Gold Souk (Deira) — the world's most famous gold market, hundreds of shops, intense competition keeps margins thin; (2) Gold & Diamond Park — wholesale-friendly, larger pieces, ZeroTax certificates; (3) major mall jewellers (Joyalukkas, Damas, Malabar Gold) — branded designs, fixed pricing, online ordering with home delivery; (4) licensed bullion dealers (Emirates Gold, ARY Refinery) — investment bars with LBMA certification.

Hallmarks & verification. All gold in the UAE must carry the Dubai Hallmark issued by Dubai Central Laboratory (DCL). Look for: karat stamp, fineness, manufacturer mark, and the distinctive Dubai Hallmark symbol. The DCL operates regular spot-check assays — counterfeits are rare in the regulated souk.

VAT & tourist refunds. 5% VAT applies on making charges (not on raw gold ≥99% purity). Tourists can claim VAT refunds at the airport via the Federal Tax Authority's "Planet" system — keep all original invoices and a Planet-tagged receipt. Personal allowance for outgoing travellers: typically 2 kg of gold without commercial documentation, subject to destination country rules.

Negotiation tip. The souk is one of the few places where negotiation is expected — prices are typically quoted at 10-20% above spot for jewellery, and 30-40% reductions on the making charge component are common after polite negotiation. Always agree the price before the piece is weighed.