The UAE exported Dh196 billion ($53.41 billion) worth of gold in 2024–25, reinforcing its role as a global hub for gold trade, according to data from TradeImex. Positioned strategically between Asia, Africa, and Europe, the UAE continues to attract major international buyers far beyond tourists visiting Dubai’s famed gold souks.
What Kind of Gold Is the UAE Exporting?
Gold exports from the UAE include a wide variety of products. Here’s a breakdown of the top gold categories exported in 2023, as reported by UAE Export Data (TradeImex):
- Gold bars: $5.8 billion
- Gold coins: $4.7 billion
- Gold jewellery: $3.8 billion
- Gold dust: $2.71 billion
- Gold nuggets: $1.86 billion
- Gold scrap: $1.57 billion
- Bullion: $1 billion
- Gold plating: $900 million
- Gold leaf: $800 million
- Gold brooches: $700 million
This product diversity has helped the UAE appeal to a wide range of international buyers, from industrial users and bullion traders to jewellers and luxury brands.
Who’s Buying UAE Gold?
Ten countries led the demand for UAE gold in 2023, according to TradeImex:
1. Switzerland – $4.76 billion
Switzerland, known for its gold refineries and financial markets, purchased:
- Gold bars
- Jewellery-grade and industrial gold
- Gold powder and flakes
2. United Kingdom – $3.65 billion
UK buyers focused on:
- Gold nuggets and bullion
- Coins, brooches, and bangles
3. India – $2.87 billion
India’s imports included:
- Gold-plated items and coated utensils
- Gold-alloyed products such as gold-silver and gold-platinum mixes
4. Hong Kong – $2.45 billion
Hong Kong imported:
- Certified jewellery and gold-plated electronics
- Ornamental gold frames and statues
5. Turkey – $1.86 billion
Turkey’s demand included:
- Yellow, rose, white, and black gold
- Gold coins and decorative items
Other Top Buyers:
- Singapore – $1.84 billion
(Engraved and filigree jewellery, gold alloys) - Kuwait – $1.5 billion
(Necklaces, rings, bracelets, gold alloys) - Bahrain – $1 billion
(Gold flakes, watches, nuggets, statues) - Qatar – $900 million
(Unrefined and semi-refined gold, pearl-encrusted pieces) - China – $800 million
(Gold sculptures, branded bars, recycled gold, coins)