Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) is one of the world’s leading free zones for the trading of gold, diamonds, and other commodities. Located in the heart of Dubai, DMCC has established itself as a top choice for businesses looking to enter the global marketplace and has positioned itself to become the go-to free zone for UAE gold and diamond traders.

First and foremost, DMCC has earned numerous awards and accolades over the years, including the coveted Global Free Zone of the Year award from the Financial Times fDi Magazine for eight consecutive years. This achievement highlights the free zone’s commitment to providing exceptional services to businesses and investors, making it an ideal location for gold and diamond traders.

DMCC serves the entire gold value chain, from research and refining to trading and investing. In the past, Dubai’s nickname as the City of Gold was due to its historic Gold Souk. However, since DMCC began investing in world-class infrastructure and services, the volume of gold traded in Dubai has been rising steadily. In fact, it now accounts for around 25% of global trade, most of it within the DMCC Free Zone.

Here are some of the reasons why DMCC Free Zone is a top choice for UAE gold and diamond traders:

1. State-of-the-art infrastructure and services DMCC’s investment in world-class infrastructure and services is unrivaled. For instance, the government-backed Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) is one of the world’s leading diamond trading platforms, connecting producers in Africa, cutting centers in Asia, and consumers in Europe, the United States, and China. The DDE also offers a state-of-the-art tender facility that was upgraded in 2019, enabling members and global partners to trade with complete confidence while accessing new markets. Additionally, DMCC’s state-of-the-art vault and storage facilities provide unparalleled security and peace of mind for traders.
2. Complementary industry cluster effect No other gold center in the world offers such a complementary industry cluster effect as DMCC Free Zone. The Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX), DMCC Tradeflow, a trade finance product, regional gold options trading, and a Shariah-compliant hedge fund product are just a few of the innovations that make DMCC an attractive location for gold and diamond traders. Furthermore, the Dubai Good Delivery Standard, which is the only international standard for 1kg gold bars of .995 purity, is a testament to DMCC’s commitment to quality.
3. Diamond trade growth DMCC has announced 17% year-on-year diamond trade growth for 2022, totaling USD 37.4 billion for rough and polished categories. This growth includes a “monumental” 42% rise in polished diamonds, further cementing Dubai’s status as the world’s leading hub for rough and polished diamonds. The announcement was made at the ICA Congress 2023 held under the theme “The Future of Colored Gemstones,” where Dubai was highlighted as a significant value add destination for the global colored gemstone industry.
4. Kimberley Process DMCC is committed to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which is an international mechanism to prevent the trade in conflict diamonds. The free zone has implemented a rigorous process to ensure that all diamonds traded within its jurisdiction are conflict-free, giving traders the assurance that they are conducting business ethically.
5. Efficient Business Setup Process: DMCC offers an efficient and streamlined process for setting up a business in the free zone. From registering the company to obtaining necessary licenses and permits, the process is quick and hassle-free. This allows gold and diamond traders to start their operations without any delay and focus on their core business activities.
6. Strategic Location: Dubai’s location makes it an ideal hub for global trade, with easy access to markets in Europe, Asia, and Africa. DMCC’s location within Dubai further enhances its strategic advantage, as it is located close to the city’s major ports and airports, making it easier for businesses to import and export goods.
7. Advanced Infrastructure: DMCC’s investment in world-class infrastructure and services has resulted in the development of state-of-the-art facilities for gold and diamond traders. From advanced storage facilities to cutting-edge technology for refining and trading, DMCC has established an ecosystem that supports the entire value chain of gold and diamond trading.
8. Commitment to Sustainability: DMCC is committed to promoting sustainable practices in the gold and diamond industry. It has introduced a range of initiatives and programs that promote responsible sourcing, ethical trading, and environmental sustainability. This has helped DMCC build a reputation as a responsible and sustainable free zone.
9. Industry Leadership: DMCC is recognized as a leading authority in the gold and diamond industry, with a strong track record of innovation and leadership. Its active involvement in industry growth is evidenced by initiatives such as the Inaugural LGD Symposium in Dubai, which will bring together industry leaders and governments to address the unique challenges faced by the LGD sector and outline a plan for its long-term growth.
10. Innovative Offerings: DMCC is known for its innovative offerings that cater to the unique needs of the gold and diamond industry. For instance, the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) offers trading in futures contracts for gold, silver, currencies, and other commodities. DMCC Tradeflow, a trade finance product, provides financing solutions for gold and diamond traders. These innovative offerings have helped DMCC become a one-stop-shop for gold and diamond traders.
11. Strong Regulatory Framework: DMCC has a strong regulatory framework that ensures compliance with international best practices and standards. It is committed to adhering to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, which ensures that rough diamonds are sourced from conflict-free zones. DMCC also adheres to strict anti-money laundering and anti-bribery regulations, making it a safe and secure free zone for gold and diamond traders.
12. Comprehensive Support Services: DMCC offers comprehensive support services to help gold and diamond traders grow their businesses. From marketing and promotional support to legal and financial advice, DMCC provides a range of services that cater to the specific needs of the industry. This has helped gold and diamond traders establish a strong presence in the global market.
13. Reputation for Quality: Dubai’s reputation for quality has been enhanced by DMCC’s investment in world-class infrastructure and services. The Dubai Good Delivery Standard, the only international standard for 1kg gold bars of .995 purity, has become a benchmark for quality in the gold industry. Similarly, the Dubai Diamond Exchange’s commitment to the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme has helped establish Dubai as a trusted source for diamonds.

In conclusion, DMCC Free Zone is a top choice for UAE gold and diamond traders for a variety of reasons. Its investment in world-class infrastructure and services, commitment to sustainability, and innovative offerings have helped establish it as a leading authority in the gold and diamond industry. Its strong regulatory framework, comprehensive support services, and reputation for quality have made it a safe and secure free zone for gold and diamond traders. With its active involvement in industry growth, DMCC is well-positioned to capitalize on the future growth potential of the gold and diamond industry. As such, it is no surprise that DMCC Free Zone is the preferred destination for gold and diamond traders in the UAE and beyond.