Buyer's Guide · May 23, 2026
Dubai Gold Making Charges — Complete Guide
Understand what you're paying beyond the gold price, and how to negotiate the best deal in Dubai Gold Souk.
Making Charges by Jewellery Type
| Jewellery Type | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plain bangles / simple chains | 3–8% | Machine-made; low labour |
| Standard necklaces / earrings | 8–15% | Mixed machine + hand |
| Intricate filigree / handmade pieces | 15–25% | High craftsmanship |
| Antique / Jadau / Kundan work | 20–35% | Specialty artisan work |
| Plain gold bars / coins | 0–2% | Minimal or no making charge |
| Rings with stone settings | 15–30% | Includes setting labour |
Example: 22K Ring (10g) — Total Cost at Current Rates
Gold value (22K, 499.07 AED/g × 10g)AED 4990.70
Making charge @ 12%AED 598.88
Sub-total before VATAED 5589.58
5% VATAED 279.48
TotalAED 5869.06
Based on today's 22K rate: AED 499.07/g · Making charge used: 12% (standard)
How to Negotiate Making Charges in Dubai
- 1Know the DGJG rate before you walk inCheck today's rate on this site. The official rate is displayed in every shop by law. If the per-gram price shown is above the DGJG rate, the difference is being baked into the gold price — a warning sign.
- 2Ask for the making charge separatelyRequest the receipt to show: (a) gold weight, (b) per-gram rate, (c) making charge amount, (d) VAT. If a shop won't itemise these, walk away.
- 3Compare 2–3 shops for the same designMaking charges for identical designs can vary 5–10 percentage points between shops. 10 minutes of comparison can save AED 200+ on a 10g piece.
- 4Buy more to negotiate lowerBuying 50g+ or multiple pieces in one transaction gives you real leverage. Shops accept 20–30% reductions on making charges for large orders.
- 5Time your visit (Thursday or Friday evening)Shops near end of week or after quiet periods are more willing to negotiate. Avoid peak tourist hours when shops have full footfall.
FAQs — Dubai Gold Making Charges
What are making charges on gold jewellery in Dubai?
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Making charges (also called workmanship charges) are fees added to the raw gold price to cover the labour, craftsmanship, and overheads involved in creating jewellery. In Dubai, these are typically expressed as a percentage of the gold value or as a flat AED-per-gram charge. By law, making charges must be disclosed separately on receipts.
What are typical making charges in Dubai Gold Souk?
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Making charges in Dubai Gold Souk range from 3% to 35% depending on jewellery complexity. Simple machine-made bangles or chains: 3–8%. Standard necklaces and earrings: 8–15%. Intricate handmade pieces: 15–25%. Antique/Jadau work: 20–35%. Investment gold bars and coins have minimal or zero making charges.
Are Dubai gold making charges negotiable?
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Yes — making charges are one of the most negotiable aspects of gold jewellery buying in Dubai. Most shop owners expect bargaining. For bulk purchases (above 50g), you can typically negotiate 20–40% off the listed making charges. Buying at end of day, paying cash, or purchasing multiple pieces at once all strengthen your bargaining position.
Can I buy gold in Dubai without making charges?
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Yes. Investment gold (24K bars, gold coins, gold wafers) has minimal making charges — usually 1–3% over the gold value for standard bars. For 1kg bars, premiums can be as low as 0.5%. On the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) exchange, institutional buyers can purchase at near-spot prices with minimal fees.
What does Dubai law say about making charges?
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Under Dubai Consumer Protection regulations, jewellery shops must: (1) display the DGJG official gold rate prominently, (2) itemise the making charges separately on the receipt, and (3) provide a receipt for all gold purchases. Shops cannot bundle making charges into the per-gram price without disclosure. If overcharged, you can complain to the Dubai Economy & Tourism Department.
How do I calculate the total price including making charges?
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Total price = (DGJG rate per gram × weight in grams × 1.05 VAT) + making charges. Example: 22K ring, 10g. DGJG rate: AED 295/g. Gold value: 295 × 10 = AED 2,950. 15% making charge: AED 442.50. 5% VAT on total: AED 170. Total: AED 3,562.50. Use our Gold Calculator to compute gold value before you shop.