Editor’s Note
This article highlights the launch of Dubai’s new ‘Gold District,’ a dedicated complex aimed at solidifying the emirate’s status as a premier global hub for the gold and jewelry trade.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates — Ithra Dubai has officially launched the ‘Dubai Gold District,’ a dedicated integrated complex designed to elevate Dubai to a world-class hub for gold and jewelry trading, marking a transformative moment for the industry.
The reputation of Dubai as the ‘City of Gold’ is deeply intertwined with the Dubai Gold District. The launch signifies a new phase of development for Dubai as a global hub in retail, commerce, and trade. Created as a unified destination, the district consolidates the entire value chain of the gold and jewelry industry in one place, encompassing retail distribution, bullion trading, wholesale trade, and investment. Through this functional integration, the Dubai Gold District is expected to further solidify Dubai’s status as one of the world’s most trusted global gold trading centers.
This launch once again highlights the UAE’s pivotal and ongoing role as a global trading nation in gold and precious metals. During 2024-2025, the UAE exported approximately $53.41 billion worth of gold, with key trading partners including Switzerland, the UK, India, Hong Kong, and Turkey. This has positioned the UAE as the world’s second-largest physical gold trading hub.
Positioned as Dubai’s new ‘Home of Gold,’ the district integrates the entire gold and jewelry industry into a single destination. It hosts a diverse range of global and regional gold and jewelry brands, offering buyers, traders, and investors a wide selection, superior quality, and high-value propositions.
A key differentiating strength of the Dubai Gold District on the global stage is the concentration of the world’s most diverse mix of buyers, traders, and consumers within a single destination. In 2025 alone, visitors from over 147 countries visited the area, demonstrating Dubai’s position as a truly global marketplace in gold and jewelry.
An iconic core facility planned for the Dubai Gold District is the world’s first ‘Gold Street.’ This street, to be constructed using actual gold, will be a unique space and a distinctive attraction for tourists and visitors to the district. Further details will be released in phases.
The district houses over 1,000 retail stores spanning various sectors including gold, jewelry, perfumes, cosmetics, and lifestyle. Major brands include flagship jewelry stores such as Jawhara Jewellery, Malabar Gold and Diamonds, Al Romaizan, and Tanishq Jewellery. Notably, Joyalukkas has announced plans to open a 24,000-square-foot flagship store, which will be the largest in the Middle East region.
Additionally, six hotels are being developed in the vicinity of the district, providing convenient accessibility for international visitors, buyers, and global trade partners.
For decades, the Dubai Gold District has served as a central hub for trade and commerce in the region. Its origins date back to the early 20th century, when the initial souk evolved into a meeting point for merchants from across the Arabian Gulf, India, and Persia. These merchants brought not only gold but also traditions of exquisite craftsmanship, leading the souk to become one of the world’s most important gold trading centers. Historically, gold has played a central role in the region’s economy, with merchants and artisans using sophisticated skills to create beautiful pieces for both local and international markets. Today, the district hosts over 380 retailers, offering a diverse collection ranging from handcrafted jewelry to bullion and rare ornaments.