How gold is priced in the UAE
UAE gold prices are quoted in dirhams per gram for 24K, 22K, 21K and 18K gold. Because the dirham is pegged to the US dollar (AED 3.6725), UAE prices track international spot almost exactly — Dubai is one of the cheapest places in the world to buy gold.
The Dubai gold rate
The Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group publishes the official retail rates several times a day. They follow spot closely; what varies from shop to shop is the making charge, which is added per gram or per piece and is often negotiable in the Gold Souk.
VAT on gold in the UAE
5% VAT applies to gold jewellery, on the full price including making charges. Investment gold — bars, ingots and coins of 99% purity or more — is zero-rated. Tourists can reclaim VAT on jewellery at departure, minus a processing fee. Imported jewellery carries 5% customs duty, though Indian jewellery is duty-free under the India–UAE CEPA trade deal.
Purity and hallmarks
Jewellery is tested and hallmarked by the Dubai Central Laboratory; 22K is stamped 916, 21K 875 and 18K 750. The popular tola bar (11.66 g) and 10-tola bar are widely sold.
Tax and duty information last reviewed October 2026. Rules change — confirm with your dealer or tax authority before a large purchase.