How to Buy Gold Jewellery in Dubai: 7-Step Checklist

Buying gold in Dubai is simpler than it looks — if you follow the right order. The city regulates gold tightly (every piece is weighed, hallmarked and billed with a tax-free line) so there's almost no fraud risk, but there's plenty of room to overpay on making charges. Here are seven steps that get you a fair deal.

1. Check the day's spot rate

Before walking into any shop, pull up the Dubai Gold Rate app or any jewellery-group display. Memorise the per-gram rate for the karat you want. The shop should quote the same number — if it's higher, walk out.

2. Decide on karat

22K (916) is the regional standard — warmer colour, holds its value, slightly softer. 18K (750) is more durable, better for daily rings and bracelets. 24K (999) is almost pure, used for bars and some gift coins but too soft to wear every day.

3. Weigh the piece in front of you

Every shop has a certified scale on the counter. Watch the weight go on the display, not just the ticket. Confirm the number before you talk price.

4. Ask for the making charge separately

The quote should break down as: grammes × daily rate + (grammes × making charge) + VAT. If the shop quotes a single lump, ask them to split it. This is where you negotiate.

5. Check the hallmark

Hallmarks are tiny stamps on the inside of the piece: 916 = 22K, 750 = 18K, 999 = 24K. The Dubai Central Laboratory enforces this across the emirate.

6. Get a tax-free receipt

Ask the cashier for a Planet tax-free receipt — this is the paperwork that lets you reclaim VAT at the airport. You need your passport.

7. Keep the paperwork for home customs

Your invoice shows weight, karat and date — useful for home-country customs declarations and for future resale.