Dubai has officially unveiled the Dubai Gold District, a landmark development designed to cement the emirate’s position as the world’s leading centre for gold and jewellery trade.
Launched by Ithra Dubai, the purpose-built district brings together the entire gold value chain under one destination, spanning retail, bullion trading, wholesale commerce, and investment. The initiative reflects Dubai’s long-standing role in the global precious metals market while aligning closely with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to strengthen the city’s global competitiveness in trade, tourism, and innovation.
The launch comes at a time when the UAE continues to rank among the world’s most important physical gold trading hubs. In 2024–25, the country exported more than $53 billion worth of gold, making it the second-largest physical gold trading destination globally.
By consolidating traders, brands, investors, and consumers into a unified ecosystem, Dubai Gold District seeks to enhance transparency, efficiency, and global confidence in the emirate’s gold market.
A Unified ‘Home of Gold’ for Global Trade
Dubai Gold District has been positioned as the new “Home of Gold,” offering scale and diversity unmatched by traditional gold markets. The district is home to more than 1,000 retailers across gold, jewellery, perfumery, cosmetics, and lifestyle categories.
Established regional and international brands such as Jawhara Jewellery, Malabar Gold and Diamonds, Al Romaizan, and Tanishq Jewellery anchor the retail mix, while Joyalukkas has announced plans for a flagship store that will be its largest in the Middle East.
What sets the district apart is its ability to attract a remarkably diverse audience. In 2025 alone, shoppers from more than 147 nationalities visited the area, underscoring Dubai’s role as a truly global marketplace. Beyond retail, the district integrates wholesale trade and investment activity, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a trusted gateway for gold flows between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The presence of six hotels with over 1,000 guest rooms further supports international buyers and tourists, enabling longer stays and deeper engagement with the district’s offerings.
Gold Street and the Future of Luxury Tourism
One of the most ambitious elements of the project is the planned introduction of the world’s first Gold Street, a landmark attraction that will be revealed in phases. Designed as both a commercial and cultural icon, Gold Street will incorporate gold into its physical construction, creating a visually distinctive destination intended to draw tourists and investors alike. The concept reflects Dubai’s broader strategy of blending commerce with experiential tourism, transforming traditional retail into immersive destinations.
The Dubai Gold District also strengthens the city’s tourism infrastructure. Improved accessibility through nearby metro stations, proximity to cruise terminals, and the introduction of sightseeing bus routes have positioned the district as a must-visit stop for international visitors. Gold, long woven into Dubai’s cultural and commercial identity, is being reimagined as a driver of sustainable tourism growth and economic diversification.
By uniting heritage, innovation, and global trade under one vision, Dubai Gold District represents more than a retail development. It signals a long-term commitment to shaping the future of the global gold and jewellery industry while reinforcing Dubai’s status as a city where commerce, luxury, and culture converge on a global stage.
