Stories That Shape Our Impact

Dubai’s gold jewellery retailers are adapting to shifting market dynamics as India’s reduction of gold import duty from 15% to 6% has narrowed the price gap that once made the UAE a top destination for Indian shoppers. To attract South Asian buyers — especially during festival seasons like Akshaya Tritiya and Diwali — jewellers are bringing in unique designs from international markets and developing exclusive local collections not readily available in India. This includes Turkish, Italian, Singaporean, and locally crafted styles that offer variety beyond just price advantages, aiming to maintain Dubai’s appeal as a global jewellery hub.

Dubai Gold Souk Extension is offering exclusive Ramadan deals with discounts of up to 50 % across over 200 gold, jewellery, and watch retailers. Shoppers who spend Dh 500 or more at participating stores can enter a weekly prize draw by scanning a QR code and uploading their invoice. Each week, the grand golden vault at the heart of the destination will be unlocked to reveal jewellery prizes, with a total of Dh 250,000 in prizes awarded throughout the campaign. The promotion runs from 1 March to 6 April 2025, combining rich cultural heritage with modern retail experiences and making it an attractive destination for family shopping and celebrations.

Across the UAE, brides are increasingly moving beyond traditional diamond engagement rings in favour of vibrant coloured gemstones such as sapphires, emeralds, rubies, morganite and aquamarine. Retailers in the Dubai Gold Souk Extension report a rising trend among Millennial and Gen Z couples who value individuality, symbolism, and personalised designs. Gemstones are chosen not just for their colour but for their meaning—emeralds for growth, sapphires for loyalty, rubies for passion—and offer affordability, ethical options like lab‑grown stones, and unique emotional significance that reflects modern bridal value