Test your gold in 60 seconds: Dubai’s new AI kiosk lets you verify jewellery before you buy
First kiosk to be installed at historic Gold Souk
DUBAI – Dubai Municipality has launched the world’s first smart self-service kiosk for testing the purity of precious metals, offering instant results within 60 seconds.
The Smart Gold and Jewellery Testing Lab, unveiled at GITEX Global 2025, combines artificial intelligence and X-ray fluorescence technology to deliver laboratory-grade accuracy in real time.
Developed by the Dubai Central Laboratory in collaboration with the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group, the innovation aims to enhance transparency and consumer confidence in one of the city’s most iconic industries. The fully automated device analyses gold, silver, platinum, and other metals without damaging the item and operates without any human intervention.
How it works
The self-service kiosk uses advanced spectroscopic and XRF analysis supported by AI and machine learning to identify metal composition with precision. Users simply place their jewellery or coin inside the device, which scans and provides a full breakdown of the metal’s purity levels on a printed report or via SMS. The entire process is completed in under one minute, providing a convenient alternative to traditional lab testing.
The first unit will be installed at Dubai’s Gold Souk in Deira, with additional kiosks planned for major malls and trading hubs across the emirate. Each device is fully integrated with Dubai Municipality’s digital systems, allowing seamless data processing, traceability, and performance monitoring.
Enhancing trust in the market
The new testing service supports Dubai’s long-standing position as a global hub for gold and jewellery trade. With millions of visitors shopping for gold every year, the initiative makes purity verification accessible to everyone – from tourists to traders – without the need for laboratory appointments.
According to Dubai Municipality, the goal is to provide a faster, more transparent way to verify metal authenticity while strengthening buyer confidence and ensuring fair trade practices across the market. The machines are designed for accuracy and reliability, incorporating self-calibration and safety mechanisms to maintain consistent quality standards.
Driven by innovation
Dr Naseem Mohammed Rafi, Acting CEO of the Environment, Health and Safety Agency at Dubai Municipality, described the device as a “transformative leap” in precious metal testing. She said it establishes a new benchmark for speed, precision, and reliability, reinforcing Dubai’s global competitiveness in the gold sector.
Eng Hind Mahmoud Ahmed, Director of the Dubai Central Laboratory Department, highlighted that the kiosk was developed under strict technical and digital criteria to guarantee secure and user-friendly operation. The system includes real-time remote monitoring and intelligent design features to ensure safe performance and rapid emergency response when needed.
Rollout across Dubai
The phased installation of the smart kiosks will continue across Dubai’s key retail and trading zones. This rollout supports Dubai Municipality’s broader mission to create a fully integrated testing ecosystem that ensures consumer protection and market compliance.
The project also aligns with Dubai’s innovation strategy, reflecting the city’s drive to adopt advanced technologies that improve public services, economic efficiency, and overall quality of life.