The easiest way to buy gold in the UAE for simple exposure are ETFs or CFDs through a platform like Interactive Brokers as they offer ease and liquidity. For short-term speculation, futures or CFDs provide flexibility with added risk. Mining shares add equity style growth potential. For long-term security, physical bullion bought locally or in the UAE and stored through a specialist such as StoneX provides direct ownership of real metal.
Gold ETFs, Futures, Shares and CFDs
Gold ETF investing platforms like IG remain the simplest way to follow the gold price. Funds such as SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) hold bullion in secure vaults and trade like shares, which makes them easy to buy and sell through a standard brokerage account. The main drawback is that you do not own physical metal and your long term return depends on the custodian and fund fees.
Gold futures brokers like Saxo offer leveraged exposure. A single futures contract represents a fixed amount of gold, often 100 troy ounces. This gives traders more flexibility but also introduces significant risk. Futures are suitable only for experienced investors who understand margin and volatility.
Gold shares, which you can buy on Interactive Brokers offer indirect exposure through mining companies. These can rise faster than the gold price during strong markets but also fall further when conditions weaken. Company performance, management and global equity sentiment all affect returns.
Gold CFDs through FOREX.com allow you to trade the price of gold without owning the underlying asset. They are popular with short term traders because you can open long or short positions, use leverage and close trades quickly. CFDs carry high risk because losses can exceed deposits if the market moves against you. They are not designed for long term investment.
Physical Gold and Vaulted Storage in the UAE
If you want to own real metal, physical gold remains the most direct option. You can buy bars or coins from dealers or use a broker that provides secure storage. Brokers such as StoneX offer the ability to buy bullion and store it in professional vaults. This provides ownership without the risks of holding gold at home and gives you the option to take delivery if required.
Physical gold offers independence from financial markets and a sense of security during periods of uncertainty. The disadvantages are premiums above spot, storage fees and lower liquidity compared with ETFs or CFDs.
Buying Gold in the UAE FAQs
Is it cheaper to buy gold in the UAE? Often yes. Investment grade bullion in the UAE is sold close to global spot prices and usually without import duties. Dubai in particular is known for competitive premiums on bars and coins.
Do you have to pay tax if you buy gold in Dubai? Investment grade bullion is generally zero rated for VAT in the UAE. Jewellery can attract charges and higher premiums due to craftsmanship.
Can you buy gold in Dubai and bring it to the UK? Yes, but you must follow UK customs rules. Investment grade bullion is usually exempt from UK VAT but you must declare it if the value exceeds your personal allowance. Receipts and proof of purity are important to carry.
Which gold is best to buy in the UAE? High purity bullion such as 24 carat bars or recognised investment coins usually offers the best value. Jewellery is less suitable because of high making charges.
Richard is the founder of the Good Money Guide (formerly Good Broker Guide), one of the original investment comparison sites established in 2015. With a career spanning two decades as a broker, he brings extensive expertise and knowledge to the financial landscape.
Having worked as a broker at Investors Intelligence and a multi-asset derivatives broker at MF Global (Man Financial), Richard has acquired substantial experience in the industry. His career began as a private client stockbroker at Walker Crips and Phillip Securities (now King and Shaxson), following internships on the NYMEX oil trading floor in New York and London IPE in 2001 and 2000.
Richard’s contributions and expertise have been recognized by respected publications such as The Sunday Times, BusinessInsider, Yahoo Finance, BusinessNews.org.uk, Master Investor, Wealth Briefing, iNews, and The FT, among many others.
Under Richard’s leadership, the Good Money Guide has evolved into a valuable destination for comprehensive information and expert guidance, specialising in trading, investment, and currency exchange. His commitment to delivering high-quality insights has solidified the Good Money Guide’s standing as a well-respected resource for both customers and industry colleagues.
To contact Richard, please ask a question in our financial discussion forum.
