Hey William,

Last time I was in Europe, some 15 years ago, gold and silver (bars,
wafers, pieces and coins) had substantial surcharges over the spot
price, and the VAT added on top. As a non-resident you might be able
to get the VAT back, or parts thereof, but would have to register,
show the metal on exit, and receive a refund cheque, which helps to
trace you right back to your bank account...

So it's probably best to buy tax free in Dubai, or, for larger
quantities, in East Asia.

Cheers,
Robert.

-- 
"And as long as I am the monarch, I will never let anyone take possession of
movable and landed properties of the others by force or without compensation.
As long as I am alive, I shall prevent unpaid, forced labor. ..."

Cyrus the Great, ca. 550 BC