Dubai to build world’s first street made entirely of gold
Dubai Gold District emerges as the emirate’s new Home of Gold
DUBAI – Dubai has announced plans to construct the world’s first Gold Street, a street built using gold, marking a major new milestone in the emirate’s gold and jewellery landscape.
The announcement was made as Ithra Dubai officially launched the Dubai Gold District, a purpose-built destination designed to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for gold trade, retail, and investment.
While full details of the Gold Street are yet to be revealed, authorities confirmed that further information will be announced in phases.
Gold Street
The Gold Street is expected to become a defining feature of the Dubai Gold District, adding a distinctive attraction to a destination already positioned as the emirate’s new ‘Home of Gold’.
The initiative reflects Dubai’s long-standing association with gold and its ambition to elevate the sector through large-scale, integrated developments aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
Dubai Gold District
The unveiling of the Gold Street took place alongside the official launch of Dubai Gold District, developed by Ithra Dubai as a unified destination bringing together the full gold and jewellery value chain. The District encompasses retail, bullion, wholesale trade, and investment within a single, purpose-built ecosystem, designed to serve traders, investors, global brands, and consumers.
The launch event was attended by senior government and business leaders, underlining the strategic importance of the District and its flagship Gold Street to Dubai’s wider economic and trade ambitions. While the Gold Street’s design, scale, and construction details remain under wraps, its announcement has already positioned the District as a future global landmark.
Issam Galadari, CEO of Ithra Dubai, described the Dubai Gold District as a development that “unites heritage, scale, and opportunity”, bringing together a diverse ecosystem of traders, investors, retailers, and global brands under one destination. He noted that the District is designed to serve both international markets and key global trade routes.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, highlighted gold’s deep-rooted significance in the emirate. “Gold is deeply woven into the cultural and commercial fabric of Dubai, symbolising our heritage, prosperity, and enduring spirit of enterprise,” he said. He added that the Gold District and its landmark Gold Street celebrate this legacy while reimagining it for a new era shaped by creativity and sustainability.
Global gold trade
The introduction of the Gold Street comes as the UAE continues to consolidate its role as a leading global trading nation for gold and precious metals. Between 2024 and 2025, the UAE exported approximately $53.41 billion worth of gold, with Switzerland, the United Kingdom, India, Hong Kong, and Turkey among its major trading partners. These figures placed the country as the world’s second-largest physical gold trading destination, reinforcing the strategic importance of developments such as the Dubai Gold District.
By anchoring the Gold Street within a broader trade and retail ecosystem, Dubai aims to strengthen its reputation as one of the world’s most trusted and active gold markets, offering unmatched access across international trade corridors.
Home of Gold
Termed Dubai’s new Home of Gold, the Dubai Gold District brings together more than 1,000 retailers across gold, jewellery, perfumery, cosmetics, and lifestyle sectors. The District hosts a wide range of established regional and global brands, providing variety and scale for buyers and traders.
Leading jewellery names already operating within the District include Jawhara Jewellery, Malabar Gold and Diamonds, Al Romaizan, and Tanishq Jewellery. Joyalukkas has announced plans for a 24,000 square foot flagship store, set to become its largest in the Middle East, further strengthening the District’s retail credentials.
The Gold Street is expected to complement this retail concentration by offering a visually distinctive and immersive experience, enhancing the District’s appeal to international visitors and trade partners.
Tourism and access
Beyond trade and retail, the Dubai Gold District is positioned as a major tourism destination. The area is supported by over 1,000 guest rooms across six hotels, offering convenient access for international buyers, tourists, and business visitors. The introduction of Big Bus routes into the District in 2025 further enhanced connectivity, strengthening its role as a must-visit location for gold and jewellery shopping.