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Dubai to Build World’s First “Gold Street” Inside a New Global Gold District
All that glitters is not gold but in Dubai it may soon be as the UAE emirate has announced plans to build what it calls the world’s first Gold Street, which will be constructed using gold elements in the heart of a newly launched Dubai Gold District.
This marks a glittering new chapter in the emirate’s retail and trade landscape.Unveiled by Ithra Dubai as part of a purpose-built destination designed to bring together the entire gold and jewellery value chain, from retail to bullion trading and investment, the Gold Street is envisioned as both an architectural marvel and a signature attraction for visitors and global traders.
A bold statement for Dubai’s gold legacy
Dubai’s connection to gold is not new as the emirate has long been a global hub for the precious metal.
In 2024-25, the UAE exported around USD 53.41 billion worth of gold, cementing its place as the second-largest physical gold trading destination in the world, with key partners including Switzerland, the United Kingdom, India, Hong Kong and Türkiye.
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However, Gold Street is more than a marketing gimmick. It is being positioned as a symbolic and commercial cornerstone of the broader Dubai Gold District. Together with gold retail, bullion trading, wholesale markets and investment services clustered in one place, Dubai is staking a claim to lead the future of gold commerce.
What the Dubai Gold District promises
Rather than a single street of golden pavement, Gold Street is part of a vast, unified ecosystem that Dubai’s leaders hope will serve shoppers, traders, investors and tourists alike:
- The district already has more than 1,000 retailers spanning gold, jewellery, perfumery, cosmetics and lifestyle sectors.
- Major jewellery brands set up shop there, including Jawhara Jewellery, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Al Romaizan and Tanishq Jewellery.
- Joyalukkas announced a 24,000-square-foot flagship store, its largest in the Middle East.
- The district is supported by over 1,000 hotel rooms across six hotels, making it easier for international buyers and tourists to stay close to the action.
Officials say the Gold Street will complement this infrastructure by acting as a central attraction that celebrates gold not only as a commodity but as a cultural, artistic and tourism asset.
Global trade, tourism and design in one place
The launch of the Dubai Gold District comes during a momentous period for the UAE’s economy, as the country seeks to diversify away from hydrocarbons and further develop sectors like trade, tourism, luxury retail and investment services.
Dubai’s leadership has made no secret of the goal to position the emirate as a global gateway for commerce, culture and leisure and the Gold District fits squarely within that strategy.
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According to Issam Galadari, CEO of Ithra Dubai, the district “brings together heritage, scale and opportunity,” creating a diverse ecosystem of traders, retailers, investors and global brands that serve shoppers and buyers across international markets.Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, noted that the Gold District marks a defining moment in Dubai’s evolution as a global destination for commerce and tourism. He described gold as “deeply woven into the cultural and commercial fabric of Dubai,” symbolising the emirate’s prosperity and entrepreneurial spirit.
What makes Dubai's Gold Street more than a gimmick
While the idea of a street made of gold conjures images of pure opulence, industry insiders see deeper commercial and strategic value:
- Strengthening Dubai’s trading role - By consolidating gold retail, wholesale, bullion and investment activity in one district, Dubai aims to create a one-stop global hub for gold commerce, appealing to investors, traders and consumers alike.
- Leveraging International Appeal - In 2025, the broader Gold District welcomed visitors from over 147 nationalities, underscoring Dubai’s global retail magnetism.
- Enhancing Tourism and Retail - Supporting infrastructure, including hotels and improved transport access with Big Bus routes, is designed to make the district one of the region’s top luxury retail and tourism experiences.
What comes next: A golden future?
Officials have said that details about the Gold Street’s design and construction will be revealed in phases.
Though timing has not yet been fully disclosed, developers emphasise that Gold Street will complement Dubai’s existing commercial and cultural fabric, rather than operate as a standalone installation.
Where Else But Dubai? A Street Dedicated Entirely to Gold Is on the Way
As Dubai continues to expand its role in global gold markets and builds out attractions that blend luxury, culture and commerce, the Gold District anchored by the promised Gold Street may become both a symbol of the emirate’s economic confidence and a vibrant global destination for buyers and tourists alike.Dubai’s launch of the Dubai Gold District and plans for the world’s first Gold Street reflect how the city continues to innovate in retail, tourism and global trade, using its strategic strengths to shape future growth. By consolidating the gold and jewellery landscape under one roof and adding an iconic gold-lined street, Dubai is not just celebrating its heritage; it is redefining the way gold is experienced in the 21st century.
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