If you are planning a trip to Dubai, you'll want to make the most of the city's exotic shopping opportunities by visiting its modern shopping malls and traditional souks.

Dubai, the most popular tourist destination in the UAE, has the reputation for being the ‘city of gold’, although 90% of its gold is actually imported, mainly from Asia and other neighboring Arabic countries. This modern emirate is a tax free shopping haven and is the Middle East’s center of the jewelry market. According to the Dubai City Guide, “approximately 25 tonnes of gold is displayed in the windows of its 600 plus gold shops, at any given time”.

Its huge shopping complexes have a vast range of jewelry shops but first-time visitors should take a trip to the Dubai Gold Souk in Deira for a flavor of the old city.

Shopping Advice for the Dubai Gold Souk

1. Price of Gold – Weight vs. Piece

Unlike in the west, jewelry prices are based on weight not per piece; irrespective of design. Gold is sold at the daily gold price, set by the UAE government. The day’s price is displayed in the main gold shops, obtained from The National Bank of Dubai. Jewelry prices are lower than you would find back home and gold makes a sensible investment or gift.

2. Jewelry Range

Precious stones and pearls can also be bought from the souk. White gold is growing in popularity too. The Dubai City Guide states that, “95% of the city’s gold is 21 karat; the remaining 5% is 18 karat...... More than two thirds of Dubai’s population buys gold at least once a year and 90% of the jewelry bought here is plain gold”

3. Gold Shops of Dubai

Out of the city’s 600 gold shops, half of them are located in the Gold Souk and are mainly owned by Indians and Iranians. After an hour or so of souk shopping you’ll find the choice overwhelming. There are so many shops it may pay to return another day, before finally making a purchase.

4. Price Displays in Shop Windows

Prices can change overnight so they are not often displayed in shop windows. Don’t be afraid to go in and ask. Request the “best price”. Despite the daily gold price being set it is still possible to bargain; especially if you are buying more than one item from the same vendor.

5. Gold Prices Change Daily

Be aware of price fluctuations in the gold market. The gold necklace, bracelet or ring which you had your eye on a week ago may have suddenly become more expensive.

6. Check the Quality

To ensure your purchases last a lifetime check the clasp before buying to make certain that it is strong enough to support the chain. Also look for any rough edges or flaws.

7. Dubai’s Money Changers

There are money changers in all of Dubai’s main souks and shopping malls and many vendors will also accept foreign currency. The US dollar is fixed against the UAE Dirham at 3.683 (selling price from the National Bank of Dubai). Paying cash is preferable to credit card if you are trying to negotiate a discount.

8. Souk Opening Times

Like most stores in Dubai, the Gold Souk closes in the early afternoon. It reopens again around 4pm. Morning is a good time to buy as it is less busy and vendors are keen to make their first sale of the day. Souk timings are 10am to 1pm and 4pm to 10pm. Friday is the Muslim holy day so the souk is closed on Friday morning but opens up in the afternoon.

9. Dubai Shopping Festival: January - February 2008

For real bargains, the best time to go is during the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) when the gold shops are promoted heavily. This festival attracts visitors from all over the world, particularly from neighboring Gulf Arab states. The dates for 2008 are 24 January to February 24th, 32 days of shopping madness. The city becomes extremely busy, hotels fill up months in advance and the normally (fairly) free-flowing traffic becomes gridlocked around the main shopping areas.

10. Dubai Summer Surprises: July – August 2008

A mini version of the annual shopping festival takes place every summer in July and August. Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) is designed to bring tourism into the Emirate at its quietest time, when most expatriates and wealthy nationals have escaped the heat and the city is at its emptiest. If fighting the DSF crowds does not appeal, then consider visiting the emirate during this period. There are still plenty of festivities and genuine bargains to be had; and shopping is a more pleasurable experience.

In addition to gold, visitors may be interested in buying Arabic souvenirs, spices or beautiful textiles. Dubai also has some of the best designer shopping in its wall-to-wall shopping malls.

If you enjoy shopping in the Middle East’s exotic souks then plan a trip to Istanbul, with its wonderful bazaars and markets.