This children’s article, Dubai’s Gold Souk: A glittering marketplace, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, explore a world-famous market, and discover why Dubai is known as the “City of Gold.” Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
A sparkly slice of history
Dubai’s Gold Souk began way back in the early 1900s, when a handful of jewellers set up tiny shops along Dubai Creek. As more traders arrived, especially after oil was discovered in the 1970s, it grew into a dazzling bazaar full of thousands and thousands of glittering treasures.
You’ll find the Gold Souk in the heart of Deira, Dubai’s traditional trading district. Walk through a few narrow, covered lanes, and you’ll suddenly be surrounded by shops filled with bright rings, bracelets, and necklaces that sparkle like stars.
A mountain of gold
People often say there’s so much gold here, it weighs as much as two elephants! That sounds incredible, and while we can’t really check that ourselves, experts estimate there are about 10 tonnes of gold shining in the souk at any moment. That’s more than two Asian elephants!
One shop displays the world’s largest gold ring, called the Najmat Taiba. It weighs nearly 64 kilograms, about as heavy as some adults, and is studded with gemstones for a truly royal look.
The future of the souk
Today, the Gold Souk is one of Dubai’s top tourist spots and a favourite with people from all over the world. It still keeps its old-world charm, with family businesses, stories passed down through generations, and plenty of haggling for the best price.
Soon, a shiny new extension will open! The Gold Souk Extension will add hundreds of shops, homes, offices, restaurants, and even a waterfront promenade. It will expand the souk while keeping its magical feel for years to come.
Article vocabulary list
- Souk – A traditional Arab market or bazaar
- Treasure – Something that’s precious or special, like gold
- Jewellers – People who make or sell jewellery
- Tonne – One tonne is the same as 1,000 kilograms
- Extension – A new add-on or expansion to a building or place
- Haggle – To bargain or negotiate a better price
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. When did the Gold Souk in Dubai first begin?
A) Early 1900s
B) 1980s
C) After 2000
Answer: A) Early 1900s
2. What part of Dubai is the Gold Souk located in?
A) Palm Jumeirah
B) Deira
C) Sheikh Zayed Road
Answer: B) Deira
3. Approximately how much gold might be on display at one time?
A) 1 kilogram
B) 10 tonnes
C) 100 tonnes
Answer: B) 10 tonnes
4. What is special about the Najmat Taiba ring?
A) It’s the biggest in the world
B) It’s made of silver
C) It’s invisible
Answer: A) It’s the biggest in the world
5. What’s coming next to the Gold Souk area?
A) An amusement park
B) The Gold Souk Extension with shops, homes, and restaurants
C) A volcano
Answer: The Gold Souk Extension with shops, homes, and restaurants
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
