Dubai launches Gold Street as new Gold District reinforces ‘City of Gold’ legacy

Dubai has taken a bold step in reinforcing its long-held reputation as the “City of Gold” with the official launch of the Dubai Gold District in January 2026, a landmark development that features the world’s first-ever Gold Street.

The headline attraction of the district, Gold Street, is being constructed using actual gold elements, positioning it as both an architectural marvel and a global draw for tourists, investors, and traders. The project is being unveiled in phases, with developer Ithra Dubai gradually releasing details about its design and construction to build anticipation around the ambitious concept.

Strategically located at the heart of the newly developed Dubai Gold District, Gold Street anchors a purpose-built ecosystem designed to unite the entire gold value chain. The district brings together retail and wholesale markets, bullion trading, and investment services within a single integrated hub, strengthening Dubai’s role as a global center for precious metals.

The launch comes at a time when the UAE has firmly established itself as a global gold trading powerhouse. The country is now the world’s second-largest physical gold trading hub, having exported an estimated $53.41 billion worth of gold during the 2024–25 period. On the retail front, the district already hosts more than 1,000 gold retailers, including major players such as Joyalukkas, which is set to open a 24,000-square-foot Middle East flagship store in the area.

Tourism has been deeply woven into the district’s development strategy. The Gold District is supported by six hotels offering over 1,000 guest rooms and has been integrated into Dubai’s Big Bus sightseeing routes, positioning it as a must-visit destination for international visitors.

The Dubai Gold District is a key pillar of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy over the next decade and cement Dubai’s position among the world’s leading global financial and commercial centers. With Gold Street at its core, the project signals Dubai’s intent to blend heritage, commerce, and spectacle on a global scale.