Street Scams in Riyadh

Counterfeit Saudi Gold Jewelry

Jewelry shops in Riyadh's traditional gold souks, particularly in the Batha district and Dira Square area, sell gold items stamped with false hallmarks or at weights and purities that do not match the stated specification. While Saudi Arabia has gold quality regulations, enforcement in smaller souk shops is inconsistent and tourists lack the tools to verify purity on the spot. Some sellers apply a thin gold coating over base metal and represent it as solid gold.