A Garden of Golden Delights

Plenty of places lay claim to the name City of Gold, but Dubai is clearly qualified for the title. This desert emirate is home to the densest concentration of gold dealers in the world250 of them are crammed into a half-square-kilometer area of fairy-tale opulence known as the Gold Souq. Reached through a wooden lattice gateway off Al-Ahmadiya Street in the old quarter of Deira, the shops of the souq jangle with glittering wares, ranging from discreet chains and dainty earrings to clunky bangles, collars and belts. The selection is broad enough to suit all tastes, from pure gold to pure...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!