People often search for the gold rate in Abu Dhabi or Sharjah as if each emirate had its own price. In fact, the raw gold rate is the same across the whole country. What changes from shop to shop is everything added on top.
One country, one gold price
The UAE dirham is pegged to the US dollar, and gold is priced globally in dollars. So the raw price per gram is calculated the same way everywhere in the UAE:
- 24K price per gram = global ounce price ÷ 31.1035 × 3.6725
- 22K, 21K and 18K follow from their purity
You can check today's figures on our Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah pages: the raw rates are identical.
So why do prices feel different?
The final price on your invoice includes:
- Making charges, which vary by design, shop and brand
- Retail premiums, especially on lower karats
- 5% VAT on jewellery
- Seasonal offers, which differ between shops and emirates
Big malls in any emirate may charge more for making than traditional souks. That is where the real difference lies.
Where to buy in each emirate
Dubai
The famous Gold Souk in Deira has hundreds of shops side by side, which makes comparing easy. See our Dubai Gold Souk guide.
Abu Dhabi
The capital has gold centres and many jewellers in its major malls. Expect a quieter experience than Deira, with prices that follow the same raw rate.
Sharjah
Sharjah's traditional souks and malls are popular with residents of the northern emirates, and making charges can be competitive.
Browse shops by city in our gold shops directory, and check current gold shop offers.
How to get the best price anywhere in the UAE
- Check the live rate before you go
- Compare making charges, not just the total
- Ask about exchange and buy-back terms
- Keep the tax invoice
- Use our gold calculator to check the bill
Frequently asked questions
Is gold cheaper in Sharjah than Dubai?
The raw gold price is the same. Some shops in Sharjah may offer lower making charges, so compare the total for the same weight and karat.
Does the gold rate change at the same time across the UAE?
Yes. It follows the global market, which moves during trading hours from Monday to Friday.
Is VAT the same in every emirate?
Yes, VAT is a federal 5% rate on gold jewellery across the UAE.
