How is the gold rate in the UAE calculated?
The UAE dirham is pegged to the US dollar at 3.6725, so the gold rate in the UAE follows the international price directly. Price per gram = gold price per ounce in USD ÷ 31.1035 × 3.6725 × purity of the karat.
Because the dirham is fixed to the dollar (3.6725), gold prices in dirhams move only with the international gold price.
Popular karats in the UAE
22K is the best-selling karat in the UAE, especially among buyers from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. 21K is the traditional Emirati and Gulf karat, 18K is used for modern and diamond jewellery, and 24K is bought as bars and coins, including the popular 10 tola bar. See each karat: 24K · 22K · 21K · 18K.
Making charges and VAT
VAT in the UAE is 5% on jewellery and making charges, while investment gold of 99% purity or more is zero-rated under the rules. Tourists can claim back VAT on eligible purchases through the tourist refund scheme. The table "gold price with making charges" on this page estimates the final price per gram; change the making charge to match your shop.
Where to buy gold in the UAE
The Gold Souk in Deira, Dubai is the most famous place to buy gold, and shops can be found in every emirate. Making charges are usually quoted per gram and depend on the design and brand.
Gold rate per tola
The tola is a traditional South Asian weight of 11.6638 grams that is still used in UAE and Gulf markets. The best-known product is the 10 tola bar (TT bar), weighing 116.64 grams of 24K (999) gold, one of the most traded bars in Dubai. Tola gold price today.
Source of the prices
The Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group announces daily reference rates for 24K, 22K, 21K and 18K. Prices here are calculated live from the international spot price and may differ slightly from the rate announced at a given moment. The method is explained on our methodology page (Arabic).