'Souq' is the Arabic word, which stands for the market or place where any kind of goods are brought or exchanged. Traditionally, Arabic shipping vessels discharge their cargos brought from the Far East, China, Ceylon and India on the docks, which would be bargained over in the souq's adjacent to the docks.Times have changes since then as Dubai Souq's have given way to air-conditioned multi-storied shopping malls and items on sale have changed from spices, silks and Attar (Arabic Perfume) to latest electronic items, gold and designer apparels.
Our first visit was to the
Deira area where there is the
Gold Souq. I was mesmerized by the large number of gold shops. The designs were also unique.
From gold brooches, ear rings, bangles, rings or necklaces, one can find each and every window of the shops adorned with gold ornaments and artifacts.But in most of the shops you will find the same designs.
The design of the gold souq is similar to that of Kuwait, but Dubai has equal number of diamond shops. We explored every area of the Gold Souq, took few pictures and did lot of window shopping as we had no intention of buying gold. While moving around the souq, we came across
KANZ Jewels L.L.C….a big gold shop.
We were amazed by the very big gold ring in the shop. We entered the shop and came to know that it is the
BIGGEST gold ring in the world manufactured by Taiba. The weight of the ring is 63.856kgs and weight of gold used in the ring is 58.686 kgs. Diamonds were used to decorate the ring. The ring is really beautiful.
Had heard and read that the gold prices are among the lowest in the world in Dubai. But my experiences does not say so. You cannot bargain nor the jeweller will give you less then the existing price of gold. Its only in the making charge that you have to bargain. The final price of your purchase is determined by your negotiation skills. And that stand's true,all over the world.
I really find funny when people back home say Gold is cheaper in Dubai, Kuwait...can say the entire Middle East.
The intensive and exotic aroma of the different spices which includes valuable saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, nuts, henna and aniseed, entices many visitors into purchasing some spices at this Deira Souq. Other items that are offered by the shops in the Deira spice souk include various herbs and special perfumed oil 
which local healers and pharmacists have been using to make their own special and traditional medicine for centuries. Potteries, souvenirs, various types of baskets, rice, textiles, rugs, incense etc are also sold. Bargaining is something that you ought not to forget to do here. We moved around, bargaining some artifacts. The spice market is a fantastic experience, you should not miss.
