Dubai gets its ‘Home of Gold’, the Dubai Gold District for unified gold and jewellery trade

A landmark feature of Dubai Gold District will be the world’s first Gold Street, a street constructed using gold, created as a distinctive attraction for tourists and visitors to the district

Dubai: In a landmark development for the region’s gold and jewellery industry, Dubai saw the official launch of ‘Dubai Gold District’, a dedicated destination bringing together gold and jewellery retail, bullion trading, wholesale operations and investment activity within a single, integrated district. The launch by real estate authority Ithra Dubai marks a major development in Dubai’s gold and jewellery landscape and supports the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which focuses on expanding trade, attracting investment and strengthening Dubai’s growth as a global leader for gold and jewellery commerce.

Developed as a unified destination, Dubai Gold District connects the historic Gold Souk with modern retail, hospitality and trade infrastructure. The District brings together the full gold and jewellery value chain in one location, and is aimed at buyers, traders, investors and tourists.

The Dubai Gold District was officially inaugurated in the presence of H.E. 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, along with long-term traders operating within the area. The launch marks a significant milestone for the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.

The announcement comes at a time when the UAE continues to play a significant role in global gold trade. In 2024–25, the country exported approximately $ 53.41 billion worth of gold, with major destinations including Switzerland, the United Kingdom, India, Hong Kong and Türkiye. This places the UAE as the second-largest physical gold trading destination in the world.

H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, stated that the announcement of 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.

“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,” said Issam Galadari, CEO of Ithra Dubai.

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

What sets Dubai Gold District apart globally is the unmatched diversity of its audience, bringing together one of the world’s widest mixes of buyers, traders, and consumers within a single destination. 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 of Dubai Gold District will be the world’s first Gold Street, a street constructed using gold, created as a distinctive attraction for tourists and visitors to the District. Further details are expected 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 brands such as Jawhara Jewellery, Malabar Gold and Diamonds, Al Romaizan, and Tanishq Jewellery, with Joyalukkas announcing plans for a 24,000 square foot flagship, set to be its largest in the Middle East.

Dubai Gold District also contributes to Dubai’s wider retail and tourism offering. The destination 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 the District’s accessibility and appeal to tourists, strengthening its role as a destination for gold and jewellery shopping.

Developed by Ithra Dubai, the District brings together business, retail and tourism within a single location, combining Dubai’s long-standing gold trading history with contemporary infrastructure. The project is intended to serve as a long-term centre for the international gold and jewellery community, supporting trade activity, tourism and employment in the years ahead.

Retail Jeweller ME News