Dubai: Why the new Gold Souk Extension is a must-visit

Dubai: Why the new Gold Souk Extension is a must-visit

For nearly 100 years, Dubai has been the Middle East and global gold trade hub, capitalising on its geographical position by setting up gold vaults, jewellery-making facilities, and refineries.

On Tuesday, April 26th, the Dubai Gold Souk Extension (GSE) was formally opened, rejuvenating Dubai’s historic heart of commerce and reigniting its reputation as the City of Gold, delivering an elevated shopping and trading experience.

Of the 295 shops that have come up at the Extension, over 50 jewellery brands have already opened their outlets during the soft launch and for the grand opening, while more brands and speciality restaurants are in the process of setting up their shops.

Several international and home-grown jewellery brands, including Al Romaizan Gold & Jewellery, Malabar Gold & Diamond, Al Kanz Jewellery, Dhakan Jewellers, Jawhara, Gold House, Hyatt, New Mashoom, Top Gold, Zayan, Iman, Navran Jewellers, Ismail, Popley and Kalyan Jewellers have either opened or will soon open doors to visitors in the Extension area.

In addition, the Souk Extension will be home to about 150 wholesale offices based on the first floor of the buildings.

According to Lachlan Gyde, executive director for retail, residential and commercial at Ithra Dubai, there is no “key money” involved for retailers when they’re