Dubai is known worldwide as the City of Gold. Every year, thousands of investors and traders come here to be part of one of the most active gold markets in the world. If you are thinking about starting a gold trading business in Dubai, 2025 is the right time. The city offers strong infrastructure, investor-friendly policies, and access to global buyers and suppliers. In this article, we will explain the opportunities, the licensing options, and the full process you need to follow to enter this profitable industry.
Gold is not just a precious metal in Dubai, it is part of the culture and economy. From local residents buying jewellery to international investors trading bullion, the demand never stops. Dubai sits at the crossroads between Africa, Asia, and Europe, making it the perfect hub for import, export, and re-export of gold. With the city being a tax-efficient jurisdiction, the margins for businesses are attractive compared to many other countries.
The local retail market is also strong. Tourists from across the world flock to Dubai’s Gold Souk and luxury malls to buy gold jewellery. At the same time, Dubai is a global hub for bullion trading, with structured platforms, secure vaults, and specialised free zones dedicated to gold. This means whether you plan to run a retail shop, wholesale business, or international trading operation, Dubai has opportunities for you.
Dubai’s location makes it a global centre for gold import and export. The city has modern infrastructure such as Dubai International Airport and Jebel Ali Port, which together create a seamless route for transporting gold. Most of the gold comes from Africa and Asia and is either refined or traded directly through Dubai before being exported to Europe, India, China, and beyond.
The import and export process requires proper licensing, customs codes, and compliance with Dubai Customs regulations. Traders must also follow anti-money laundering (AML) and responsible sourcing standards, which are taken seriously in Dubai’s gold market. With the right license and approvals, your business can participate in this global gold flow.
To legally trade gold in Dubai, you must hold a gold trading license. There are two main routes: setting up in a free zone such as DMCC or applying for a mainland license through Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET, previously DED). Each option has its own advantages, which depend on your business model and target customers.
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) is the most famous free zone for gold trading. It has developed a complete ecosystem for gold businesses, including secure storage, refining, and global trading platforms. Companies registered under DMCC benefit from 100 percent foreign ownership, modern infrastructure, and tax incentives. DMCC also operates the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange, which is one of the leading derivatives exchanges in the region.
If you are planning international gold trading, wholesale operations, or want access to structured markets, DMCC is the best place to establish your company. The free zone provides end-to-end solutions including licensing, offices, and strong credibility for international trade.
For retail businesses, opening a shop in Dubai’s mainland is a popular option. The mainland license allows you to sell directly to customers, open showrooms, and operate across the UAE. Below is the official activity description as issued by Dubai Economy.
Trading of Jewellery and Accessories made of Gold and Silver
Activity Code: 4773201
Activity Group: Jewellery Trading
License Type: Commercial
Activity Description: Includes reselling adornment jewellery such as brooches, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings, which are made of gold, platinum, palladium, titanium, silver, and gemstones.
This license gives you legal authority to run a gold and jewellery shop in Dubai.
Starting a gold trading business in Dubai follows a structured process. First, you decide whether you want a free zone company in DMCC or a mainland license. Next, you reserve your trade name and apply for initial approval. You will then prepare your incorporation documents, sign the Memorandum of Association, and secure a shop lease or office space.
After these steps, the trade license is issued, and your business becomes legally active.
For retail gold shops on the mainland, there is an additional market fee of five percent of the annual rental cost. This is collected by Dubai Economy and is part of standard registration rules for commercial activities.
Since gold is a sensitive commodity, approvals are required from specific authorities. Depending on your activity, you may need clearance from Dubai Municipality, Dubai Police, and the Central Bank for certain operations. Compliance with anti-money laundering regulations and reporting requirements is also mandatory. For free zone companies, DMCC has its own compliance checks to ensure traders meet global standards.
Gold trading is one of the most profitable industries in Dubai, but it requires proper planning and compliance with regulations. At CSPzone, we guide international entrepreneurs through every step, from choosing the right license to getting all the necessary approvals. Our consultants simplify the process of setting up in DMCC or on the mainland, securing bank accounts, and ensuring your business meets all legal requirements.
With CSPzone by your side, you can focus on growing your gold trading business while we take care of the paperwork, approvals, and compliance. If you are ready to start your gold trading business in Dubai, CSPzone is here to make your journey easy, compliant, and successful.
