Need a modest little gold necklace for everyday use? Look no further than Dubai’s ever popular gold souk, located a short walk from the abra station.

For decades this place is where local ladies come to buy their gold. It is one of Dubai’s top tourist attractions.

Most of the gold sold here is solid 22 or 24 karat gold although imported Italian 18 karat red, yellow and white gold has become common in recent years.

There are over 275 shops in the Dubai Gold Souq and it is estimated that over 10 tons of gold is on display in their shop windows at any one time.

Apparently 95% of all tourists who visit Dubai buy gold.

Not content with being a major gold market, Dubai has also built up a reputation as a centre for diamonds and these have added sparkle to the shop windows of the gold souq.

Gold is sold by weight plus a mark-up for labour charges. Diamond jewellery and other precious stones are more difficult for the amateur shopper to value so there is a chance of being overcharged.

Extended haggling is expected and required before buying anything here.

The Spice Souq is a short walk from the Gold Souq. It comprises a couple of narrow alleys with shops selling a wide range of colourful and pungent spices such as saffron, dried chillies, cinnamon sticks, nuts, dates, tea and shisha tobacco.

Resinous frankincense and myrrh are popular with tourists who may not have seen them before, as are camel sticks, pottery. incense burners and hubble bubbles.

The spice souk cannot really compare with the fantastic spice bazaars in Istanbul but they are worth a quick look.

The area surrounding the gold souk have streets with a concentrations of perfume shops, wholesale shops, shoes, clothing and household items so if you are in the mood for shopping you are sure to find some bargains and unusual purchases.

This article first appeared in http://thriftytraveller.wordpress.com