There are plenty of reasons why expats choose to work in Abu Dhabi — numerous job opportunities, good salaries, safety, high standard of living, and many more. The city is also known for its awesome shopping destinations, where you can buy the latest in fashion, electronics, cosmetics, sportswear, and of course… jewellery.
And when it comes to jewellery, many people look for gold accessories in great prices. Here in Abu Dhabi, you will find many different gold jewellery designs, including classic Western designs, Indian-inspired accessories, and intricate Arabian pieces.
Best Places to Buy Gold in Abu Dhabi
There is a huge number of shops selling gold in Abu Dhabi, and in the entire UAE, for that matter. You can buy gold in the sleek, modern shopping malls as well as in the sprawling, traditional souks (markets).
Here is a list of the best places where you can buy gold in Abu Dhabi:
1. Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre and Gold Centre
Without a doubt, this should be your first stop when buying gold in the city. In fact, it might be the only stop you’ll ever need to make! There are more than 400 shops in the Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre and Gold Centre; of these, over 100 are shops that sell gold jewellery, pearl jewellery, and other precious stones
Notably, the Madinat Zayed Gold Centre is also called “Abu Dhabi Gold Souk” and it is one of the oldest malls in the capital. The place has plenty of well-known jewellery shops, including: Al Harmain Jewellery, Al Jazira Jewellery, Al Riyadh Jewellery, Baniyas Jewellery, Sunny Jewellery, and many more.
It is also worth noting that some of the stores discussed below also have retail outlets at the Madinat Zayed Gold Centre. For more details, please visit the centre’s official website.
2. Cartier
Cartier is a global name when it comes to watches and gold jewellery, and it has retail locations in Abu Dhabi, particularly at Etihad Towers and The Galleria. The brand offers watches, earrings, bracelets, engagement rings, wedding bands, necklaces, and more.
For more details, visit the official website of Cartier here.
3. Damas
Damas is a leading jewellery brand in the Middle East, and has been around for more than 100 years! They have a retail outlet on the ground floor of Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi, featuring beautiful earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and watches, too!
Check out more information about Damas through their official website.
4. Jawhara Jewellery
Among the top jewellery shops in the capital is Jawhara Jewellery, which offers a wide range of earrings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, bangles, rings, and many more. The brand has retail outlets all over Abu Dhabi, including Al Sharq Mall, Al Wahda Mall, Dalma Mall, Hamdan Street, Marina Mall, Mushrif Mall, and Shams Boutik Mall.
Learn more about Jawhara Jewellery through their official website.
5. Joyalukkas
With numerous branches across 11 countries, Joyalukkas is known not only in the UAE, but internationally as well. Aside from featuring gold jewellery, the brand also offers pearls, platinum, and diamond pieces. They have retail outlets at the Madinat Zayed Gold Centre, Dalma Plaza, and Mushrif Mall, among other locations.
For more information about Joyalukkas, visit the brand’s official website.
6. Liali Jewellery
Whether you’re looking for an engagement ring, a wedding band, an anniversary gift, a Valentine gift, or a graduation present — you’re bound to find the perfect piece at Liali Jewellery, which has a retail outlet on the ground floor of Al Wahda Mall.
For more details, please visit the official website of Liali Jewellery.
7. Kalyan Jewellers
With retail outlets along Hamdan Street and Madinat Zayed Gold Centre, Kalyan Jewellers is another top spot for buying jewellery in Abu Dhabi. Take your pick from magnificent necklaces, bracelets, rings, pearls, platinum, diamonds, and much more.
Check out the official website of Kalyan Jewellers for more details.
8. Malabar Gold and Diamonds
Without a doubt, Malabar Gold and Diamonds is one of the leading brands in Abu Dhabi and beyond, with popular celebrities as brand endorsers. The Malabar Group has retail outlets at Al Wahda Mall, Capital Mall, Mushrif Mall, Ruwais Mall, and other locations.
Learn more about Malabar Gold and Diamonds here.
9. Pure Gold Jewellers
As the name says, Pure Gold Jewellers is known for the purity of its pieces, including rings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, earrings, and more. The great thing about this brand is that they have retail outlets at Abu Dhabi Airport, as well as at the World Trade Center Mall and at Yas Mall on Yas Island.
For more information about Pure Gold Jewellers, visit their official website.
10. Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany & Co. is a global brand that’s famous for its gorgeous jewellery. It is among the top shops selling gold in Abu Dhabi, with retail outlets at Marina Mall and at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island.
Check out more information about Tiffany & Co. here.
Video: Buying Gold in Abu Dhabi
In the following video, a vlogger shares her experience on buying gold in Abu Dhabi. The YouTube channel of Ysabelle Lorenzo Official also shares some tips on travel, driving, food hacks, products reviews, and other helpful topics:
Tips for Gold Buyers
Whether you’re a seasoned buyer or planning to buy gold for the first time, it’s important to keep the following tips in mind:
1. Do your research about gold prices.
The price of gold may change on a daily basis, so it’s crucial for you to know the current rate. Fortunately, places such as the Abu Dhabi Gold Souk usually feature gold prices along the entrance. You can also check online for the latest figures.
2. Learn about gold purity standards.
Gold purity is typically measured in units called “karats.” When buying gold jewellery, consider choosing 18-karat, 21-karat, or 22-karat pieces, because these are usually durable and offer great value for their prices.
On the other hand, 24-karat gold — the purest form — is usually too difficult to be molded into jewellery. It is often sold in the form of gold bars or coins, which is particularly useful if you’re buying gold as an investment.
3. Know your purchase limits.
Different airlines and customs authorities around the world have certain limits when it comes to carrying gold, so it’s important for you to know these limits. If you carry more than the allowed amount of gold, you might end up paying a lot in terms of customs duties. Again, do your research before buying gold and traveling!
4. Browse before you buy.
When buying gold, it’s wise to browse at different shops before making a final purchase. This way, you can compare various designs and prices before deciding on a gold piece (or pieces).
5. Don’t hesitate to bargain.
Although the gold rate is usually fixed, you can still negotiate when it comes to charges on individual designs and pieces. So when you’re at the Abu Dhabi Gold Souk, don’t be shy to strike a bargain!
Whether you’re buying gold jewellery for personal use, as a special gift, or as an investment — you will surely find some great pieces at the above mentioned shops in Abu Dhabi. In the meantime, if you are planning to do some grocery shopping, here’s a list of the best supermarkets in the city.