Meena Bazaar, located in the Bur Dubai area of Dubai, is now one of the most famous places to buy gold and jewelry. The story of its growth starts with a few hardworking Indian families who moved to Dubai in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In those days, Bur Dubai and Deira were mainly known for textile and electronics shops. Over time, some traders saw an opportunity in the gold business, which helped transform the area into the gold hub it is today.
The Beginnings of Gold Trading
While Deira Gold Souq became the most famous gold market in Dubai, some traders believed there was potential to create another gold shopping area in Meena Bazaar, located in Bur Dubai. Among these early traders were families like the Jethwanis and Khatwanis. These families opened gold shops, starting a tradition that continues to thrive today.
The Khatwani Family’s Story
Mohit and Priti Khatwani are siblings who now run one of Meena Bazaar’s oldest gold shops, Khushi Jewellery. Their father opened the shop in 1991 during the Gulf War, a time when many people were unsure if it was a good idea to open a new business. Despite the challenges, their shop became successful. Today, Khushi Jewellery is well known for bridal and polki jewelry.
Priti, who works in the gold procurement business, says that more women should join the jewelry industry. She believes that women have great taste in jewelry and are able to connect better with female customers, which has helped her business grow.
The Jethwani Family’s Growth
Another well-known family in Meena Bazaar is the Jethwanis. Sanjay and Vinay Jethwani run Meena Jewellers, which was opened by their father, Lakshmandas Jethwani, in 1993. They started with a single shop, but today they own four stores in the area.
The Jethwani brothers recall how Meena Bazaar started to become more popular after the first Dubai Shopping Festival in 1994. This event brought a lot of tourists to Dubai, and Meena Bazaar began to develop into the busy, vibrant shopping area it is today. Over the years, the area grew, and the number of gold shops increased.
Meena Bazaar Today
Today, Meena Bazaar has more than 100 gold and jewelry shops, making it a major shopping destination for both tourists and residents. Some of the biggest jewelry chains in the world, such as Joy Alukkas, Malabar Gold, Kalyan Jewellers, Damas, and PINK CITY by Anita Dongre, have stores in Meena Bazaar. These shops offer a wide range of jewelry, from traditional gold to diamond jewelry.
The growth of Meena Bazaar has made it a popular place for South Asian communities, who appreciate the variety of gold jewelry available. Whether it’s for weddings or special occasions, people visit Meena Bazaar to find unique and beautiful jewelry.
The Future of Meena Bazaar
Meena Bazaar continues to be a symbol of Dubai’s rich cultural and commercial success. The gold market in the area has grown into a significant part of Dubai’s economy, attracting shoppers from around the world. The area now offers not just gold but also a variety of fashion and luxury items, making it one of the top places to visit for tourists and locals alike.
In the coming years, Meena Bazaar is expected to continue growing. The history of this gold market shows how vision and hard work have turned a small market into one of Dubai’s most well-known shopping districts. Whether you are looking for a wedding ring, an anniversary gift, or simply want to explore, Meena Bazaar has become the place to visit for high-quality jewelry.
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