Dubai Unveils Gold District to Strengthen Role as Global Jewellery and Bullion Powerhouse

Dubai has officially launched the Dubai Gold District, a purpose-built destination designed to consolidate the emirate’s leadership in the global gold, jewellery, and bullion trade. The initiative marks a major step in reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as one of the world’s most trusted and dynamic trading hubs.

Developed by Ithra Dubai, the District brings together the entire gold and jewellery value chain within a single integrated destination, spanning retail, bullion trading, wholesale operations, and investment. The launch represents a new phase in Dubai’s long-standing role as a centre for global commerce.

A landmark moment for global gold trade

Unveiled in the presence of senior government and industry leaders including Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Shaibani, Managing Director of the Investment Corporation of Dubai; H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers; Dr Juma Al Matrooshi, Assistant to the Secretary General of the Dubai Free Zones Council; and Issam Galadari, CEO of Ithra Dubai  the launch marks a significant milestone for the regional gold and jewellery sector.

The development aligns closely with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, positioning the Gold District as a cornerstone in shaping the future of global precious metals trade.

Reinforcing the UAE’s global trading strength

The launch reflects the UAE’s continued prominence as a leading global trading nation for gold and precious metals. During 2024–25, the country exported approximately $53.41bn worth of gold, with key trading partners including Switzerland, the United Kingdom, India, Hong Kong, and Türkiye. This performance positions the UAE as the world’s second-largest destination for physical gold trade.

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah said the Dubai Gold District represents a pivotal milestone for global trade, offering investors and market participants unrivalled access to one of the world’s most active and trusted gold marketplaces.

Issam Galadari described the launch as the beginning of a new chapter for Dubai’s gold ecosystem, uniting heritage, scale, and opportunity while serving traders, investors, retailers, and international brands across key global trade corridors.

The Home of Gold

Positioned as Dubai’s new “Home of Gold”, the District brings together a diverse ecosystem of buyers, traders, and consumers under one destination. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said the launch represents a defining moment in Dubai’s evolution as a global destination for commerce, culture, and tourism.

He noted that gold is deeply embedded in Dubai’s cultural and commercial identity, symbolising prosperity and enterprise, and that the District reimagines this legacy for a new era shaped by creativity, sustainability, and innovation.

A global retail and tourism destination

In 2025, the District welcomed visitors from more than 147 nationalities, underscoring Dubai’s position as a truly global marketplace for gold and jewellery. A standout future attraction will be the world’s first Gold Street, a street constructed using gold and designed as a signature landmark, with details to be announced in phases.

The Dubai Gold District is home to more than 1,000 retailers across gold, jewellery, perfumery, cosmetics, and lifestyle categories. Major brands include Jawhara Jewellery, Malabar Gold and Diamonds, Al Romaizan, and Tanishq, while Joyalukkas has announced plans for a 24,000 sq ft flagship store, set to be its largest in the Middle East.

Supporting Dubai’s broader tourism offering, the District is complemented by over 1,000 hotel rooms across six hotels. Enhanced accessibility was introduced in 2025 with the addition of Big Bus tourist routes, further strengthening its appeal as a premier destination for gold and jewellery shopping.