Dubai is widely known as the “City of Gold” and there is a clear reason behind this name. The city is located between Europe, Africa and Asia, making it a perfect place for gold trading. This location helps businesses easily transport gold between countries. Low import taxes, modern transportation systems and easy business regulations also make Dubai a top choice for gold traders from all over the world.

If you are looking to buy, sell, import, export or trade gold online or within the city, Dubai offers great opportunities. To start your journey in this lucrative market, you must first obtain a gold trading license in Dubai.

Benefits of Starting a Gold Trading Business in Dubai:

1. Gold-Based Market:

Dubai is known as the “City of Gold” and is popular in the Middle East for its high-quality gold. Many visitors come to Dubai to buy gold items such as coins, bars and jewellery due to its purity and reliability.

2. Complete Capital and Profit Return:

You can repatriate all your profits and investment money back to your home country. If the business closes, you can get your entire investment back. This protects investors from losses.

3. Full Business Ownership:

You can open your gold trading business in the Dubai Free Zone. This zone allows for complete ownership of your company. You do not need a local partner, which makes business setup easy and fast.

4. No Tax Burden:

Tax is a concern for many business owners, but Dubai offers relief. Gold trading companies enjoy complete tax freedom. There is no personal tax or company tax, which helps businesses save more money.

Steps to Start a Gold Trading Business in Dubai

Step 1: Decide the Business and Trade Name

Choose a name for your gold trading business that complies with UAE naming regulations. The name should not contain bad words or religious words. Choose a name that matches your brand and respects the local business culture in the UAE.

Step 2: Get Initial Approval (NOC)

Before moving forward, you need an initial approval called a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the DED. This approval allows you to continue the business setup process.

Step 3: Choose the Correct Gold Trading Activities

When applying for a license, you should clearly mention what type of gold trading activities you want to carry out. The DED only allows approved gold and jewellery activities. Make sure that your chosen activities match the activities approved by the authority.

Step 4: Pick the Right Business Location

Decide whether you want to open your business in Dubai mainland or in a freezone. Each option follows different regulations. Freezones offer benefits such as tax exemptions and business-friendly assistance, which many gold traders prefer.

Step 5: Choose the Best Business Model

Choose how you want to trade gold. You can buy and sell physical gold, trade gold through financial markets, sell gold jewellery or trade gold wholesale. Some businesses also set up gold refineries, which requires additional approvals and planning.

Step 6: Open a Company Bank Account

Open a business bank account to manage all your financial expenses. This account helps you buy gold, pay suppliers and manage daily business expenses.

Step 7: Prepare a Clear Business Plan

Create a simple yet detailed business plan. It will explain your goals, target customers, expected revenue and expenses. This plan helps show how your gold trading business in Dubai will operate and grow.

Step 8: Pay Required Government Fees

Submit all required documents to the DED and pay the required license and registration fees. Make sure everything is correct to avoid delays.

Step 9: Apply for a General Trade License

You must obtain a General Trade License from the DED to legally operate your gold trading business. This license allows you to trade gold and jewellery in approved activities.

Step 10: Start Business After Final Approval

After receiving the general trade license, you can officially start your gold trading business. If the application is not approved, resolve the issues and reapply for approval.

Continue Reading: How To Become A Noon Seller In UAE: A Complete Guide (2026)

Types of Business Structures for Gold Trading in Dubai

Dubai is a well-known destination for gold trading and offers a variety of business types to meet different goals. Below is a simple guide to the main business structures you can choose from when starting a gold trading business in Dubai:

1. Sole Proprietorship

• Overview: This type allows one person to own and operate the business alone with complete control over all decisions.
• Advantages: Easy to start and run with fewer regulations.
• Considerations: The owner is fully liable for all losses and debts.

2. Partnership

• Overview: Two or more people run the business together and share profits and duties.

Types:

• General Partnership: All partners share equal liability.
• Limited Partnership: Some partners have limited risk.
• Advantages: Costs and work are shared among the partners.
• Considerations: Disagreements can occur, and liability is shared.

3. Free Zone Company

• Overview: Dubai Free Zones offer special benefits such as complete foreign ownership and easy setup.
• Considerations: No taxes, complete ownership, and easy profit transfer.
• Considerations: No direct business can be conducted outside the free zone without a local agent.

4. Limited Liability Company (LLC)

• Overview: LLCs are a common choice because they protect personal assets and offer flexibility.
• Considerations: Works well for small and medium-sized businesses with limited risk.
• Considerations: Requires a local partner with a 51% share, but profit sharing can vary.

5. Public Joint-Stock Company (PJSC)

• Overview: Best for businesses planning large growth and public investment.
• Considerations: Can raise large funds by selling shares to the public.
• Considerations: Requires high capital and must comply with strict government regulations.

6. Private Joint-Stock Company (PJSC)

• Overview: This business operates like a public company but has fewer owners and stricter regulations.
• Advantages: Good for large businesses that require high investment.
• Considerations: A minimum of three shareholders are required and many legal regulations must be followed.

Read More: How To Start A Franchise Business in Dubai, UAE (2026 Guide)

Conclusion

Starting a gold business in Dubai is a smart and rewarding choice. The city offers strong support, simple regulations, and a friendly business environment. With full ownership, no tax burden, and access to buyers from around the world, Dubai is one of the best places to trade gold.

Whether you choose DMCC, Gold and Diamond Park, or the mainland, getting help from trusted business setup consultants in Dubai, experts like Arnify, makes the process easier. They help with licensing, bank setup, and business growth.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1. What are the key advantages of starting a gold trading business in Dubai?

There are many benefits to starting a gold trading business in Dubai. The city has a large number of tourists and buyers from different countries. The rules for trading are clear and well-regulated. Businesses enjoy tax benefits and easy money flow into the market. Dubai also allows traders to enter various markets and makes the business setup process easy and fast.

Q2. Why is following Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rules important for a gold trading business in Dubai?

Compliance with AML regulations is very important for gold traders in Dubai. These regulations help ensure that gold comes from legal sources and all payments remain clean and safe. Proper AML compliance protects the business from fines and legal trouble. It also helps in running the company smoothly and gaining confidence in Dubai’s well-organized trading system.