Dubai’s dazzling gold markets are among the most iconic symbols of its global economic influence. But beyond the glittering displays at the Gold Souq lies a vast international network. From African mines to Swiss refineries, Dubai’s gold trade is a product of complex, strategic partnerships across continents. With no domestic gold production, the city has carved out a position as the world’s second-largest gold trading hub , a feat driven by its unmatched connectivity, trade infrastructure and evolving geopolitical landscape.
Africa: The heart of Dubai’s gold imports
Africa is by far the most important region in Dubai’s gold supply. In 2023, several African countries emerged as major gold exporters to the UAE, particularly Mali, Ghana, Guinea, Sudan, and South Africa. These nations are rich in gold reserves, and mining remains a vital economic pillar for many of them. Mali and Ghana stood out for their rapidly expanding mining sectors. The UAE has cultivated strong trade ties with these countries, making the import of gold both logistically efficient and commercially viable. Once in Dubai, a large portion of this African gold is re-exported to major consumer markets like India and China, where gold demand remains consistently high. The reasons for Africa’s significance are clear: vast mineral resources, expanding mining infrastructure, and strategic trade relationships that allow Dubai to act as a vital transit hub between producers in Africa and consumers in Asia.
Turkey and Switzerland: Refining and transit hubs
Turkey too plays a pivotal role in Dubai’s gold ecosystem, though not primarily as a producer. Instead, it functions as a refining and transshipment center for gold, receiving flows from Central Asia and Africa before routing them to Dubai. In 2023, Turkey was a significant gold exporter to the UAE, reflecting its role as a logistical and geopolitical bridge between East and West in the global gold value chain. Dubai’s connections with Turkey have strengthened due to Turkey’s well-established refining sector and its geographic position as a gateway connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. This trade alignment has been vital in navigating an increasingly uncertain global economic landscape.Switzerland, while not known for gold production, dominates the global refining sector. It is home to some of the world’s most prestigious gold refineries, responsible for processing gold from across the globe into its purest forms. Much of the Swiss-refined gold shipped to Dubai is ready for jewellery manufacturing, investment-grade bullion, and industrial applications. This refinement process adds significant value to the metal, making Swiss gold especially attractive in Dubai’s high-end commercial and retail markets. The connection between Dubai and Switzerland is an essential component of the broader gold supply chain, ensuring that high-quality, refined gold continues to flow into the emirate.
Russia: A growing force amid sanctions
In recent years, Russia has rapidly increased its gold exports to Dubai, largely in response to Western sanctions following the Ukraine conflict. With limited access to traditional markets in Europe and North America, Russia has turned eastward, and the UAE has emerged as a key destination. This trend marks a significant shift, with Russia diversifying its export routes and Dubai gaining prominence as a sanctions-neutral trading partner. The growing volume of Russian gold passing through UAE trade channels illustrates how geopolitical realignments are influencing the global gold trade. This shift highlights Dubai’s strategic agility and ability to adapt its trade relationships in response to global events.
Strategic hub: Dubai’s rise in global gold trade
Dubai’s rise as a gold hub is not coincidental, it is the result of deliberate investments in infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and global positioning. Serving as a central link between Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, Dubai is at the intersection of the world’s biggest gold producers and consumers. Its geographical advantages are matched by the advanced logistical capabilities of companies like DP World and Emirates Airlines, which provide seamless global freight and port operations. The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has also played a central role in regulating, facilitating, and promoting gold trade in the emirate. In 2023, Dubai officially overtook the United Kingdom to become the world’s second-largest gold trading hub, a position that reflects not only increased trade volumes but also a shift in global economic power centers.This growth comes at a time when central banks across Asia are increasing gold reserves and countries are reducing their reliance on the US dollar. The resulting surge in demand has positioned Dubai as a key transit and trade hub in what many analysts are calling a “new gold corridor” emerging across Asia. Ahmed Bin Sulayem, CEO of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), noted that the surge in gold trading reflects “historic changes in the global gold market.” He emphasized that with countries looking to diversify their reserves and reduce dependence on the US dollar, gold’s appeal as a store of value has never been greater, and Dubai is well-placed to capture this growing demand.
