Dubai: In a landmark moment for the region’s gold and jewelery industry, Isla Dubai has officially launched Dubai Gold District, a purpose-built destination aimed at enhancing Dubai’s position as the world’s leading trading destination for gold and jewellery.
The opening of Dubai Gold District marks a new stage in Dubai’s development as a global center for retail, commerce and trade. Developed as a unified destination, the district brings together the entire gold and jewelery value chain in one place, spanning retail, bullion, wholesale trading and investment. By integrating these activities, Dubai Gold District will strengthen Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most trusted global gold destinations.
The area was unveiled in a ceremony in the presence of Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Managing Director of Dubai Investment Corporation. Mohammad Ali Rashed Rota, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers; Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, Assistant Secretary-General of Dubai Free Zones Council, and Issam Galadari, CEO of Isra Dubai, participated along with long-term traders from across the region. The announcement marks a significant milestone for Dubai Economic Agenda D33, reinforcing the district’s role in shaping the future of the global gold and jewelery trade.
The launch also reflects the UAE’s continued role as a major global trader in gold and precious metals. From 2024 to 2025, the country exported approximately US$53.41 billion worth of gold to major trading partners such as Switzerland, the United Kingdom, India, Hong Kong, and Turkiye, placing the country as the world’s second-largest physical gold trading destination.
Mohammad Ali Rashed Rota, President and CEO of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the announcement of the Dubai Gold District is a pivotal milestone for global trade and commerce, offering investors and market participants unparalleled access to one of the world’s most active and reliable gold trading hubs. He noted that this initiative will cement Dubai’s position as a global gateway for gold and jewelery trade and an integral part of the global trade ecosystem.
“With the opening of Dubai Gold District, we are advancing a significant new chapter in Dubai’s gold and jewelery landscape. By combining tradition, scale and opportunity, the district brings together an important and diverse ecosystem of traders, investors, retailers and global brands, serving shoppers and visitors across international markets and major global trade corridors,” said Issam Galadari, CEO of Isla Dubai.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), part of Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “The opening of Dubai Gold District is a decisive step in the city’s evolution as a global destination for commerce, culture and tourism. Guided by visionary leadership and in line with Dubai’s economic agenda, D33 will further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure. Elevating its world-leading status as a center of excellence. Gold is deeply woven into Dubai’s cultural and commercial fabric, and through this landmark destination we not only celebrate its heritage, but also reimagine it for a new era shaped by creativity and sustainability. With the help of our partners and stakeholders, Dubai Gold District will play a pivotal role in attracting international tourists, driving investment and enhancing its reputation as the world’s best city to visit, live and work.”
As Dubai’s new ‘home of gold’, the district combines all types of gold and jewelery activities into one destination. A wide range of established global and regional gold and jewelery brands are based here, offering buyers, traders and investors great variety, quality and value.
What sets Dubai Gold District apart globally is the unparalleled diversity of its audience, bringing together the world’s widest range of buyers, traders and consumers in one destination.
In 2025 alone, the district welcomed shoppers from more than 147 nationalities. This reflects Dubai’s unique position as a truly global market for gold and jewellery.
The landmark of Dubai Gold District is the world’s first Gold Street. Gold Street is a street constructed using gold, created as a signature attraction for tourists and visitors to the area. Details will be revealed in stages.
The district is comprised of more than 1,000 retail outlets across gold, jewellery, perfume, cosmetics and lifestyle categories. The retailer’s mix includes established jewelery flagship stores such as Jawhara Jewelery, Malabar Gold and Diamonds, Al Romaizan and Tanishq Jewelery, and Joyalukkas has announced plans for a 24,000 sq ft flagship store, which will be the largest in the Middle East.
Dubai Gold District also contributes to Dubai’s extensive retail and tourism industries.
The destination has more than 1,000 rooms across six hotels, providing convenient access for international visitors, buyers, and trade partners. The introduction of the Big Bus route to the district in 2025 will improve the district’s accessibility and appeal to tourists, strengthening its role as a gold and jewelery shopping destination.
