Dubai Gold Export Procedure: Step-by-Step Guide (UAE 2026)

Discover the complete Dubai gold export procedure for 2026, including legal requirements, documents, costs, and compliance tips. Perfect for exporters, investors, and buyers seeking efficient, trustworthy gold trading from the UAE’s global hub.

Introduction

Dubai stands as a premier global hub for gold trading, handling billions in transactions annually through its strategic location, tax advantages, and robust infrastructure. The Dubai gold export procedure is streamlined yet regulated to ensure transparency, security, and compliance with international standards.

This comprehensive guide is tailored for gold exporters, investors looking to diversify portfolios, and buyers sourcing high-quality gold from the UAE. Whether you’re a licensed trader exporting gold bullion or an investor shipping jewelry, understanding the UAE gold export requirements is essential for seamless operations.

In 2026, Dubai’s gold market continues to thrive under the oversight of authorities like the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) and Dubai Customs, emphasizing responsible sourcing and anti-money laundering (AML) measures.

By following this step-by-step process, you can legally export gold from Dubai while building buyer trust and minimizing risks.

Key aspects include obtaining a Dubai gold trading license, verifying purity, and navigating customs— all designed to position Dubai as a preferred export destination over competitors like Switzerland or Hong Kong.

Who Can Export Gold from Dubai?

Exporting gold from Dubai is accessible but restricted to authorized entities to maintain market integrity. Primarily, licensed gold traders and exporters qualify, including:

Free Zone Companies: Entities registered in free zones like DMCC or Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) benefit from 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified procedures. These are ideal for international exporters.
Mainland Companies: Registered with the Department of Economic Development (DED), often requiring a local sponsor (51% UAE national ownership) unless under specific exemptions.
Foreigners and Investors: Non-residents can export gold if they hold a valid Dubai gold trading license or partner with a licensed UAE entity. Investors may use this for portfolio liquidation, while buyers from countries like India or Uganda can facilitate imports through Dubai-based exporters.
Role of Trading Licenses: A precious metals trading license from DMCC is mandatory for commercial exports. This license ensures compliance with UAE good delivery standards for gold, which align with London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) benchmarks for purity and responsible sourcing.

For buyers and investors, partnering with licensed exporters in Dubai provides assurance of quality and legality, reducing risks in global supply chains.

Types of Gold Allowed for Export

Dubai permits the export of various gold forms, provided they meet purity and sourcing standards:

Gold Bars and Bullion: Refined to at least 99.5% purity, often compliant with UAE good delivery standards (e.g., DMCC-approved bars weighing 1kg or more).
Gold Jewelry: Must be hallmarked and assayed; popular for exports to markets like India.
Gold Dore: Semi-refined bars from mining sources, requiring assay certificates.
Scrap Gold: Recycled material, subject to verification to prevent illicit trade.
Refined vs. Unrefined Gold: Refined gold (99.9%+) is preferred for exports due to easier compliance; unrefined requires additional processing.

All exports must adhere to responsible gold trading DMCC guidelines, ensuring conflict-free sourcing and ethical practices.

Step-by-Step Dubai Gold Export Procedure

Exporting gold from Dubai involves a structured process to ensure regulatory compliance. Here’s a numbered guide for clarity:

Obtain Company Registration and Dubai Gold Trading License: Register your business in a free zone (e.g., DMCC) or mainland. Apply for a precious metals trading license via DMCC’s portal. Requirements include a business plan, passport copies, proof of address, and an initial investment of AED 20,000–30,000. Approval takes 2–4 weeks.
Source Gold from Approved Suppliers: Procure from DMCC-accredited refiners or importers. For gold from Africa (e.g., Uganda), ensure suppliers provide export permits and certificates of origin.
Assay and Purity Verification: Have the gold tested by an approved assayer (e.g., Emirates Gold or Al Etihad Gold) to confirm purity meets UAE standards (minimum 99.5% for bullion).
Prepare Invoice and Contract: Draft a commercial invoice detailing quantity, value, and buyer details. Include a sales contract outlining terms, compliant with AML/KYC.
File Customs Declaration: Submit via Dubai Customs’ online portal (Mirsal 2 system). Include all documents and pay any fees.
Secure Payment of Duties/Fees: Exports are typically duty-free and zero-rated for VAT, but assay and handling fees (AED 500–2,000) apply.
Obtain Security Clearance and Arrange Shipment: Coordinate with Dubai Police for high-value shipments. Use secure carriers like Brinks or Malca-Amit.
Final Customs Inspection and Export: At exit points like Dubai International Airport (DXB) or Al Maktoum International (DWC), undergo inspection and sealing before departure.

This process typically takes 5–10 days, depending on volume.

Required Documents to Export Gold from Dubai

To streamline customs, prepare these documents:

Document	Description	Issued By
Trade License	Proof of business authorization for gold trading	DMCC or DED
Export Permit	Specific approval for the shipment	Dubai Customs
Assay Certificate	Verifies gold purity and weight	Approved assayer (e.g., DMCC-accredited lab)
Commercial Invoice	Details transaction value, quantity, and parties	Exporter
Packing List	Itemizes contents with weights	Exporter
Air Waybill / Bill of Lading	Shipping document	Carrier
Certificate of Origin	Confirms UAE origin or re-export status	Dubai Chamber of Commerce
Customs Declaration	Electronic form for clearance	Dubai Customs
Buyer Contract	Legal agreement with importer	Exporter and Buyer

For high-value exports, include AML compliance reports via goAML.

UAE Customs & Dubai Airport Export Process

Dubai Customs plays a pivotal role in facilitating exports while enforcing regulations. Approved exit points include DXB and DWC airports, with seaports like Jebel Ali for larger shipments.

Inspection and Sealing: Gold is inspected, weighed, and sealed in tamper-proof containers.
Clearance Timeline: 24–48 hours for standard shipments; express options available for urgent exports.
Digital Integration: Use the Dubai Trade portal for paperless submissions, enhancing efficiency for exporters.

Taxes, Duties & Fees on Gold Export from Dubai

Gold exports from Dubai are generally tax-efficient:

VAT: Zero-rated for exports, meaning no VAT is charged, but input VAT can be reclaimed.
Customs Duties: Exempt for most gold forms.
Other Fees: Assay (AED 100–500 per bar), handling (AED 200–1,000), and DMCC membership fees (AED 15,000 annually).

Costs vary; consult Dubai Customs for 2026 updates to avoid surprises.

Role of DMCC & Other Authorities

DMCC is central to Dubai’s gold ecosystem, overseeing licensing, standards, and responsible gold trading. It enforces the UAE good delivery standard, requiring bars to meet LBMA-equivalent specs for weight, purity, and marking.

UAE Federal Customs Authority: Sets national policies.
Dubai Customs: Handles declarations and inspections.
Emirates Authority for Standardization (ESMA): Ensures quality compliance.

These bodies build authority, assuring buyers of ethical practices.

Shipping & Insurance of Gold from Dubai

Secure transport is crucial:

Methods: Air freight via carriers like Emirates SkyCargo or couriers like DHL for smaller volumes.
Insurance: Mandatory; cover 100–110% of value through providers like Lloyd’s.
Providers: Brinks, Malca-Amit, or G4S for armored transport.
Tracking: Real-time GPS and blockchain-enabled systems for transparency.

For investors, insured shipping protects assets during transit.

Gold Storage in Dubai

Before export, secure storage is key. Dubai offers world-class facilities:

DMCC Vault at Almas Tower: LBMA-approved, with segregated storage for bullion.
Brinks UAE: State-of-the-art vaults near airports, ideal for short-term holding.
Other Options: IBV International Vaults or SWP Cayman for private, insured storage.

Fees start at AED 0.5–1 per gram annually, providing peace of mind for exporters and investors.

How to Import Gold from Uganda to Dubai

For sourcing, importing gold from Uganda to Dubai complements exports. Requirements include:

Dubai Import License: Obtain from DMCC for precious metals.
Registration: With Dubai Customs and hold a trading license.
Documents: Export license from Uganda’s Directorate of Geological Survey and Mines (DGSM), certificate of analysis, packing list, insurance certificate, and goAML declaration.
Process: Declare via customs; assay upon arrival. Comply with DMCC’s responsible sourcing to avoid sanctions.

This step ensures a compliant supply chain for Dubai-based exporters.

Requirements to Export Gold from Uganda

If sourcing from Uganda, exporters there must:

Hold a valid Mineral Dealer’s License (MDL) or refining license from DGSM.
Obtain a gold export license and tax clearance from Uganda Revenue Authority (URA).
Provide certificate of analysis (99.9% purity), proof of royalty payment ($200 per kg), and origin documents.
Comply with destination (UAE) rules, including AML.

This integrates with Dubai’s import process for seamless trade.

How Long Does It Take to Export Gold from Dubai?

Average timeline: 5–14 days. Factors include document preparation (2–3 days), customs clearance (1–2 days), and shipping (2–7 days). Express options via DXB can reduce to 3 days for priority shipments.

Compliance, AML & Legal Requirements

Compliance is non-negotiable:

AML/KYC: Mandatory reporting via goAML; verify buyer identities.
Conflict-Free Gold: Adhere to DMCC’s responsible gold trading guidelines, banning sourced from conflict zones.
Penalties: Fines up to AED 1 million or imprisonment for violations.

This fosters trust, especially for international buyers.

Dubai vs Other Gold Export Hubs

Hub	Advantages	Disadvantages	Best For
Dubai	Tax-free exports, DMCC standards, global connectivity	Strict AML	High-volume traders
Switzerland	Privacy, high refinement	Higher costs	Investors seeking anonymity
London	LBMA benchmark	Brexit complexities	Institutional buyers
Hong Kong	Asia access	Political risks	Regional exporters
Singapore	Stability	Limited free zones	Southeast Asia focus

Dubai excels in efficiency and cost for 2026.

FAQs about Dubai gold

Is it legal to export gold from Dubai?

Yes, with a valid license and compliance.

Do I need a license to export gold from Dubai?

Yes, a DMCC precious metals trading license is required.

Is gold export tax-free in Dubai?

Generally yes, with zero-rated VAT and no duties.

Can foreigners export gold from Dubai?

Yes, via licensed entities or partnerships.

How much gold can be exported from Dubai?

No quantity limit, but declare all for customs.

How much gold is allowed from Dubai to India without duty?

Male passengers: 20g (up to ₹50,000 value). Female: 40g (up to ₹100,000). Applies to returning residents; excess incurs duty.

Conclusion

Dubai remains a trusted, efficient gold export hub in 2026, offering unparalleled advantages for exporters, investors, and buyers. By prioritizing compliance, transparency, and DMCC standards, you can navigate the process smoothly. Partner with licensed professionals to maximize opportunities—contact us today-registered exporter today for tailored guidance.