How to Buy Gold in Dubai

The Complete 2026 Guide — Gold Souk, Making Charges, Hallmarks & VAT Refund

Today's Dubai gold rate: 24K — AED 523/gram · 22K — AED 480/gram · See all rates →

Step 1 — Know the Gold Rate Before You Go

The gold content price is identical at every licensed UAE retailer — set daily by the Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group (DGJG) and derived from the international spot price. Nobody can charge you more or less for the gold itself. What varies — and what you negotiate — is the making charge.

Check the live Dubai gold rate before leaving home. Know the per-gram price for the karat you want. When a jeweller quotes you a total, you can verify the gold value instantly using the gold calculator — leaving zero room for inflated gold pricing.

Live Rates — All Karats

Check before visiting any shop

LIVE

24K Gold

AED 523

999.9 Pure · Investment

22K Gold

AED 480

916 Hallmark · Jewellery

21K Gold

AED 458

875 · South Asian Style

18K Gold

AED 392

750 · Diamond Settings

Step 2 — Choose Where to Buy

Dubai Gold Souk (Deira)

Over 300 independent retailers in a single covered marketplace. The concentration keeps everyone honest — if one shop quotes high on making charges, the next one will undercut them. Best for: jewellery bargain hunters, South Asian designs, high-volume purchases where negotiating 20% off making charges is realistic.

Branded Jewellers

Fixed or semi-fixed making charges, certified authenticity, exchange policies and modern store environments. Higher making charges than the Souk but lower hassle. Best for: first-time buyers, tourists, those wanting a receipt and warranty. Major chains: Malabar Gold, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers, Tanishq, Damas.

DMCC Bullion Dealers

For investment gold — LBMA-certified bars and coins. No making charges. Tight premiums over spot. Best for: investors buying 24K bars or coins. See our UAE gold investment guide for recommended dealers.

Step 3 — Understand Making Charges

Making charges are the jeweller's fee for craftsmanship — separate from the gold value. This is the number to negotiate. The gold content price is fixed; the making charge is not. See our full Dubai gold making charges guide for a complete breakdown by design type and retailer.

Design Type	Gold Souk	Branded Jeweller
Simple bangles / chains	AED 3–6/gram	AED 8–12/gram
Standard necklaces / earrings	AED 5–10/gram	AED 10–18/gram
Bridal sets	AED 8–15/gram	AED 15–25/gram
Intricate handmade / antique	AED 12–20/gram	AED 20–35/gram
Investment bars / coins	No making charge

The ask: "What is your making charge per gram for this design?" Every shop must answer this. Calculate: (gold weight × live per-gram rate) + (gold weight × making charge) + 5% VAT on making charge. Use the gold calculator for the first part.

Step 4 — Check the Hallmark

All gold sold by licensed UAE retailers is tested and stamped by the Dubai Central Laboratory. Look for the hallmark stamp plus the karat number:

999 or 999.9

24K — Pure Gold

916

22K — Standard Jewellery

875

21K — South Asian Style

750

18K — Diamond Settings

See our complete 916 hallmark and gold purity guide for what each stamp means and how to verify authenticity.

Step 5 — VAT Refund for Tourists

If you're a tourist visiting Dubai, you can claim a 5% VAT refund on making charges (the gold itself is zero-rated, so only the making portion attracts VAT). Minimum purchase: AED 250. How to claim:

Ask the jeweller for a VAT invoice at the time of purchase
At Dubai Airport departure, find the Planet Payment kiosks in the departure hall
Scan your VAT invoice and passport — refund is processed to your card or in cash (small fee applies)
You must show the goods to customs if requested — keep jewellery in carry-on, not checked luggage

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gold cheaper in Dubai than India? ▾

Yes — typically 10-15% cheaper. India levies 15% import duty plus 3% GST on gold. Dubai has 0% VAT on investment gold and only 5% on jewellery making charges, not on the gold itself. However, Indian customs duty on excess jewellery above your duty-free allowance (40g for women, 20g for men who have lived abroad 1+ year) can eliminate the saving.

Where is the best place to buy gold in Dubai? ▾

Deira's Gold Souk has 300+ retailers and keeps prices competitive through sheer competition — best for bargaining on making charges. For branded certified jewellery, Malabar Gold, Joyalukkas, Kalyan Jewellers and Tanishq have multiple UAE locations. For investment gold bars and coins, DMCC-licensed bullion dealers offer tight premiums over spot.

What is the making charge for gold jewellery in Dubai? ▾

Making charges in Dubai range from AED 3–8 per gram at the Gold Souk for simple designs, to AED 8–20 per gram at branded jewellers for standard pieces, and AED 20–35 per gram for intricate handmade designs. Unlike India, making charges at the Gold Souk are negotiable. Always ask for the making charge per gram separately before selecting a design.

Can tourists get a VAT refund on gold in Dubai? ▾

Yes. Tourists can claim a 5% VAT refund on making charges (not on the gold itself, which is zero-rated for investment grade). The minimum purchase for a VAT refund claim is AED 250. Use the Planet Payment terminals at Dubai Airport departure halls. Keep your original tax invoice.

What hallmark should I look for when buying gold in Dubai? ▾

Look for the Dubai Municipality hallmark stamp plus the karat mark: 999 or 999.9 for 24K, 916 for 22K, 875 for 21K, 750 for 18K. All gold sold by licensed UAE retailers is tested and stamped by the Dubai Central Laboratory. Always ask for a certificate of authenticity for bars, coins and high-value jewellery pieces.

Disclaimer: All gold rates shown are international spot-based. Actual retail prices vary by dealer and include making charges. This guide is for information only and is not financial advice.