The UAE has rapidly emerged as a global powerhouse in gold trading, recently surpassing the UK to become the world’s second-largest gold trade hub with over $129 billion in transactions. This achievement reflects years of strategic investment in infrastructure, regulatory reforms, and positioning as a key player in the global commodities market.

Dubai's iconic Gold Souk and towering DMCC skyline are more than symbols of wealth—they represent the country’s transformation into a global center for gold trade. While cities like Beirut and Kuwait once led the region, the UAE’s strategic moves in the 1980s and 2000s, including the development of Dubai International Airport and Jebel Ali Port, reshaped the trading landscape.

A pivotal moment came in 2002 with the launch of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), a free zone tailored for commodity trading. Today, DMCC hosts over 15,000 businesses and serves as a comprehensive hub for gold refining, logistics, and exchange—solidifying Dubai’s position at the heart of global gold flows.

From logistics infrastructure to forward-thinking trade policy, the UAE’s success in the gold trade is no accident—it’s the result of bold decisions and long-term vision