Gold Souk, Dubai, UAE

Most first-time visitors to Dubai head to the labyrinthine souk in the central Deira area to see almost 400 shops selling gold jewellery in pretty much every form you can think of.

If it can be made from gold, it’s here.

Prices reflect the prevailing price of gold and the different carat levels and you’ll see items being weighed too, ready for customers to cough up their dirhams.

Prepare for a golden overload at the ultimate bling and buy sale.

Also in Dubai, the super-elite sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel has 22,000 square feet of gold leaf used in the interior including in the Gilt bar on the 27th floor and on the 24 carat televisions (yes, really).

Mind you, Dubai is the place where they used to have gold bullion vending machines (again, yes really) for that moment when you really want a carat dangled before your eyes.

More info: visitdubai.com