Dubai launches Gold District to cement status as global hub for jewellery and bullion trade

Developed by Ithra Dubai, the District brings together the full gold and jewellery value chain in a single, unified location spanning retail, bullion, wholesale trade and investment, marking a new phase in Dubai’s evolution as a global hub for commerce and trade.

In a landmark moment for the region’s gold and jewellery industry, the launch of the Dubai Gold District positions the emirate at the forefront of the global gold trade.

By consolidating the entire gold and jewellery ecosystem under one destination, the District reinforces Dubai’s role as one of the world’s most trusted global centres for gold.

Dubai Gold District

The District was unveiled in the presence of 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, alongside long-term traders from across the District.

The unveiling marks a significant milestone for the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, reinforcing the District’s role in shaping the future of the global gold and jewellery trade.

The launch also reflects the UAE’s continued role as a leading global trading nation for gold and precious metals. In 2024–25, the country exported approximately $53.41bn worth of gold, with major trading partners including Switzerland, the United Kingdom, India, Hong Kong and Turkiye, positioning the country as the world’s second-largest physical gold trading destination.

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, stated that the announcement of the Dubai Gold District marks a pivotal milestone for global trade and commerce, offering investors and market participants unparalleled access to one of the world’s most active and trusted gold trading hubs.

He noted that the initiative firmly strengthens Dubai’s position as a global gateway for gold and jewellery trade and as an integral part of the global trading ecosystem.

Issam Galadari, CEO of Ithra Dubai, said: “With the launch of Dubai Gold District, we are advancing a significant new chapter in the city’s gold and jewellery landscape. By uniting heritage, scale, and opportunity, the District brings together a significant and diverse ecosystem of traders, investors, retailers, and global brands, serving shoppers and visitors across international markets and key global trade corridors”.

The Home of Gold

Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, said the launch represents a defining moment in Dubai’s evolution as a global destination for commerce, culture and tourism.

He said the development is aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure, while elevating its standing as one of the world’s leading centres for gold and jewellery trade and creating new experiences for visitors and residents.

He added that gold is deeply woven into Dubai’s cultural and commercial fabric, symbolising heritage, prosperity and enterprise, and that the District reimagines this legacy for a new era shaped by creativity and sustainability.

He also highlighted the strength of collaboration between the public and private sectors in positioning Dubai at the forefront of global innovation and excellence, noting that the Dubai Gold District will play a pivotal role in attracting international visitors, driving investment, and reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as the best city in the world to visit, live and work in.

Positioned as Dubai’s new “Home of Gold”, the District unites the full spectrum of gold and jewellery activity under one destination and is home to a wide range of established global and regional brands, offering exceptional variety, quality and value for buyers, traders and investors.

A defining feature of the Dubai Gold District is the diversity of its audience, bringing together one of the world’s widest mixes of buyers, traders and consumers within a single destination.

Gold retail and trading hub

In 2025 alone, the District welcomed shoppers from more than 147 nationalities, reflecting Dubai’s unique position as a truly global marketplace for gold and jewellery.

A landmark feature planned for the District is the world’s first Gold Street, a street constructed using gold and designed as a distinctive attraction for tourists and visitors, with further details to be revealed in phases.

The District comprises more than 1,000 retailers across gold, jewellery, perfumery, cosmetics and lifestyle categories. The retailer mix includes established jewellery flagships such as Jawhara Jewellery, Malabar Gold and Diamonds, Al Romaizan and Tanishq Jewellery, with Joyalukkas announcing plans for a 24,000 square foot flagship store, set to be its largest in the Middle East.

Dubai Gold District also contributes to Dubai’s wider retail and tourism offering and is supported by more than 1,000 guest rooms across six hotels, providing convenient access for international visitors, buyers and trade partners.

The introduction of Big Bus routes into the District in 2025 enhanced accessibility and appeal for tourists, strengthening its role as a destination for gold and jewellery shopping.