Buying gold in Dubai is one of the city's great experiences, but it moves fast: friendly sellers, beautiful pieces and prices quoted in seconds. This 12-point checklist helps you slow down and pay a fair price.
Before you go
1. Check today's rate
Open our gold rate today page and note the price per gram for the karat you want. This is your reference.
2. Decide your goal
Wearing it, gifting it or saving? For saving, choose high karat and low making charges. For wearing, choose design first.
3. Pick the karat
22K is the UAE favourite, 21K is popular in the Gulf, and 18K suits diamond pieces. See which karat to buy.
In the shop
4. Check the hallmark
Look for the purity stamp, such as 916 for 22K. Read what 916 gold means.
5. Watch it being weighed
Ask for the weight in grams on a visible scale.
6. Separate the making charge
Ask for the gold price and the making charge separately. Negotiate the making charge, not the gold rate. Our making charges guide explains how.
7. Ask about stones
Stones add weight but not gold value. Ask for the stone weight to be listed separately.
8. Compare two or three shops
Raw gold prices are almost identical; making charges are not. Use our shops directory to plan your route.
Before you pay
9. Check the VAT
Jewellery carries 5% VAT on the full value. Investment-grade bars and coins are generally zero-rated.
10. Calculate the total yourself
Enter weight, karat, making charge and VAT in our gold calculator and compare with the bill.
11. Ask about exchange and buy-back
Ask how the shop values the piece if you exchange or sell it later, and what deduction applies.
12. Get a proper tax invoice
It should show the shop's name and tax number, weight, karat, rate per gram, making charge and VAT. Learn how to read a gold invoice.
Bonus: if you are travelling
Keep invoices in your hand luggage and check your home country's customs rules. For India, see how much gold you can carry from Dubai.
Frequently asked questions
Is bargaining normal in Dubai gold shops?
Yes, especially on the making charge. Be polite and compare offers.
Are prices fixed across Dubai?
The raw gold rate is the same everywhere. Making charges, premiums and offers differ.
Can I pay by card?
Most licensed shops accept cards. Always ask for the tax invoice either way.
