Meena Bazaar Gold Shops in Dubai: History, Metro, Prices and Visitor Guide
Quick answer: Meena Bazaar in Bur Dubai has more than 100 gold and diamond jewellery stores, mostly selling 22K Indian and Pakistani designs. The nearest metro stops are Al Fahidi and Al Ghubaiba on the Green Line, and every shop prices gold from the same daily rate. At 12:30 UAE time on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, the world market price of 22K gold in the UAE is AED 436.01 per gram, AED 5,085.53 per tola and AED 4,360.10 for 10 grams, equal to US$118.72 per gram.
Gold Price in UAE Today (AED per gram)
| Karat | Purity | Per Gram (AED) | Per Tola (AED) | Per 10g (AED) | Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 99.9% | 475.63 | 5,547.65 | 4,756.30 | Investment / Bars |
| 22K | 91.6% | 436.01 | 5,085.53 | 4,360.10 | Jewellery (most popular) |
| 21K | 87.5% | 416.17 | 4,854.12 | 4,161.70 | Traditional Jewellery |
| 20K | 83.3% | 396.34 | 4,622.83 | 3,963.40 | Jewellery |
| 18K | 75.0% | 356.72 | 4,160.71 | 3,567.20 | Designer / Affordable |
GoldRateUAE wrote this guide to the Meena Bazaar gold shops so visitors know how the area works, how to get there and how prices are set. The live table above shows today’s rate per gram, which every jeweller in the bazaar starts from.
Meena Bazaar sits in the old heart of Bur Dubai, near Al Fahidi Street and Dubai Creek. For many South Asian families in the UAE, it is the first place they think of for wedding and festival jewellery.
How Did Meena Bazaar Get Its Name?
Gulf News traced the name to the signboard of a textile shop that opened at the entrance of the lane in 1973. The name stuck, and it now covers the whole shopping district.
Families from the Indian subcontinent set up shops here selling textiles, spices and jewellery. Khaleej Times has reported that Javeri Jewellery, founded in 1990, says it was the first gold shop in Meena Bazaar, and Meena Jewellery opened in 1993.
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1973 | Textile shop sign gives the area its name |
| 1990 | Javeri Jewellery opens, reported as the first gold shop |
| 1993 | Meena Jewellery opens |
| Today | More than 100 gold and diamond stores |
How Do You Get to Meena Bazaar?
The easiest way is the Dubai Metro Green Line. Get off at Al Fahidi or Al Ghubaiba station and walk a few minutes into the lanes around Al Souq Al Kabeer.
From Deira, you can cross Dubai Creek by abra, the traditional wooden water taxi, to the Bur Dubai side near the Textile Souk. Parking is limited in the evening, so public transport is usually simpler.
Which Jewellers Are in Meena Bazaar?
Meena Bazaar has a mix of large Indian chains and long established family jewellers. Kalyan Jewellers has two showrooms on Al Souq Al Kabeer Street, and Tanishq opened a flagship store in the area.
Family names such as Meena Jewellers and Javeri Jewellery have traded here since the 1990s. Many smaller shops specialise in Pakistani, Gujarati, Punjabi or South Indian styles.
| Type of shop | What they are known for |
|---|---|
| Large Indian chains | Brand certificates, fixed making charges, service in India |
| Family jewellers | Regional designs, custom orders, flexible making charges |
| Diamond specialists | 18K settings and certified stones |
How Are Gold Prices Set in Meena Bazaar?
The daily gold rate per karat is the same in Meena Bazaar as in the Deira Gold Souk and the malls. What changes between shops is the making charge for each design, which can be quoted per gram or as a total.
Family jewellers often discuss the making charge, while large chains usually work from fixed price lists. Our guide to gold making charges in the UAE explains what drives the charge.
| Part of the bill | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Gold value | Weight × the day’s rate |
| Making charge | Craftsmanship of the piece |
| Stones | Priced separately |
| VAT | 5% on jewellery |
Meena Bazaar Compared With the Gold Souk
The Deira Gold Souk is larger and has a wider mix of Arabic, Indian and international designs. Meena Bazaar is more focused on South Asian jewellery, especially 22K bridal sets.
Our Gold Souk vs Meena Bazaar vs malls guide compares the three shopping areas side by side.
When Is Meena Bazaar Busiest?
The bazaar is busiest on weekend evenings and in the weeks before Diwali, Dhanteras, Eid, Akshaya Tritiya and the wedding season. The Dubai Shopping Festival in December and January also brings crowds.
A weekday morning is usually the calmest time for a visit. Many shops open from mid morning until late evening, and Friday hours are often shorter before prayers.
A Worked Example: 22K Necklace
Take a 25 gram 22K necklace at an illustrative rate of AED 470 per gram, with a making charge of AED 20 per gram. The gold is worth AED 11,750 and the making charge is AED 500.
The subtotal is AED 12,250. Adding 5% VAT gives AED 12,862.50.
Use today’s live 22K rate above in place of AED 470 for a current figure, or try the gold price calculator for Dubai.
Tourists and VAT in Meena Bazaar
Visitors can ask for a Tax Free tag on jewellery and claim back most of the 5% VAT at the airport before departure. Our guide on claiming the VAT refund at Dubai airport explains the steps.
If you are flying to India, read how much gold you can carry from Dubai to India before buying heavy pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which metro station is closest to Meena Bazaar?
Al Fahidi and Al Ghubaiba stations on the Green Line are both within walking distance.
Is gold cheaper in Meena Bazaar than in the Gold Souk?
The gold rate is the same across Dubai. Totals differ only by making charge, stones and design.
How many jewellery shops are in Meena Bazaar?
Khaleej Times reported more than 100 gold and diamond jewellery stores in the area.
What kind of gold jewellery is sold in Meena Bazaar?
Mostly 22K Indian and Pakistani designs, including bridal sets, bangles and chains, along with 18K diamond pieces.
Visiting the Meena Bazaar Gold Shops
Before visiting the Meena Bazaar gold shops, check the live rate on this page and note the making charge per gram at each counter. An itemised invoice with weight, karat, rate and VAT makes any comparison clear.
This page gives general information and is not financial advice. Shop hours and offers are set by each jeweller.
Sources: Gulf News on how Meena Bazaar got its name, Khaleej Times on the families behind Meena Bazaar’s gold shops and Retail Jeweller on Tanishq’s Meena Bazaar store.
