What today’s rate means
The rates above are a reference metal price in AED per gram, the starting point for what you pay at a jeweller, before making charges and VAT.
UAE retailers largely follow one shared daily benchmark for the metal, so the raw gold price barely varies between shops. What differs is the making charge, design premium and VAT added on top.
The karats, quickly
- 24K, ~99.9% pure. Highest value, softest; mostly bars and coins.
- 22K, 91.7% pure. The everyday UAE jewellery standard.
- 21K, 87.5% pure. Popular for Gulf and South Asian designs.
- 18K, 75% pure. Harder, common in modern and stone-set pieces.
VAT and making charges
The UAE charges 5% VAT on jewellery, applied to the full bill including the making charge. Investment-grade bars meeting purity rules can be zero-rated, and tourists may reclaim VAT on qualifying buys. Details are on our VAT guide.
Why the rate moves
It tracks the international spot price, driven by the US dollar, interest rates and central-bank demand, converted to dirhams at the fixed 3.6725 peg. The 30-day trend and 10-day history above show the direction.
FAQ
Is the gold rate the same across the UAE?
Yes, the benchmark metal price is national. Differences between emirates come from making charges and shop competition, not the gold itself.
Is this the final price I’ll pay?
No. It’s the metal value only. Add the retailer’s making charge, any stones, and 5% VAT.
How often is it updated?
Regularly, with each update validated before publishing. If a source fails, we hold the last verified figure and mark it, rather than show a bad number.
Figures are indicative reference rates, not an offer to buy or sell. See our methodology and data sources.