The United Arab Emirates continues to consolidate its position as one of the world's most important destinations for gold and jewellery trade, as its partnership with the Italian market — one of the leading global suppliers of luxury jewellery — deepens, further cementing Dubai's status as an international gold capital and a key platform for commercial exchange in the luxury sector.

Valerio Soldani, Italy's Trade Commissioner to the UAE, told Al Bayan that the UAE represents a key strategic partner for Italian jewellery exports, noting that their value reached 194 million euros in just the first two months of the current year, reflecting strong demand and continued growth in this vital sector.

Soldani explained that these figures reinforce Dubai's standing as a "global gold capital", adding that the UAE, despite the shifts taking place in global markets, continues to provide a supportive environment for trade and long-term cooperation, making it a pivotal platform for strengthening the presence of Italian brands in the region.

He added that Dubai represents an ideal market for the expansion of luxury Italian jewellery brands, thanks to its position as a global hub for trade and luxury tourism, alongside its diverse population and its consistent support for entrepreneurship and investment — all of which generate growing demand for luxury products that combine exceptional craftsmanship with a distinctive identity.

On the UAE jewellery market and the importance of trade exchange between it and Italy in this sector — both in terms of Italian exports and overall bilateral trade — Soldani affirmed that the scale of the UAE market reflects its significant standing among global jewellery markets and its ability to sustain healthy levels of activity even amid the economic challenges facing many other markets.

In 2025, Italian jewellery exports to the UAE grew by 12.6%, reaching 1.3 billion euros, helping push total Italian global jewellery exports to a record level of 9.5 billion euros.

At the start of the current year, and despite changes in global gold prices that affected preliminary customs valuations, Italian exports to the UAE reached 194 million euros in the first two months alone.

At the same time, Italy's market share of total UAE jewellery imports rose to 8%, compared with 5.48% during the same period of the previous year — a positive indicator reflecting continued confidence in Italian products and the robustness of trade relations between the two countries.

On his expectations for the future of the luxury jewellery market in the UAE over the coming years, given continued economic growth and rising tourist numbers, Soldani said: "Despite the uncertainty seen in some global markets, the long-term indicators remain encouraging."

"We look with optimism at the future of the UAE market, driven by the continued growth in market share for Italian products and sustained demand for pieces that combine artistic value with exceptional craftsmanship."

"With continued economic growth and the UAE's attraction of visitors and residents from all over the world, we expect the country to continue consolidating its position as one of the most important luxury markets at the international level."

He added: "Amid the complex economic and geopolitical conditions the world is witnessing, the UAE has demonstrated a remarkable ability to provide a stable and flexible environment for business and trade. The supportive policies and advanced infrastructure have also contributed to enhancing its role as an important regional and international hub for gold and jewellery trade."

"From this standpoint, the UAE continues to play a positive role in supporting the continuity of trade flows and bolstering confidence among the various active players in the market."

Italian gold and jewellery are distinguished by high quality and exceptional craftsmanship, and this "heritage" attracts UAE consumers. On this, Soldani said: "Italian jewellery is not merely a commercial product; it reflects a long legacy of creativity, craftsmanship, and attention to detail."

"What sets 'Made in Italy' apart is the ability to combine historic goldsmithing traditions with modern technical innovation."

"The UAE consumer shows a clear appreciation for this balance, whether through interest in design or in the high quality for which Italian jewellery manufacturing centres such as Valenza, Florence, and Naples are renowned."

He added: "Recent movements in gold prices have increased consumer awareness and led buyers to study their purchasing decisions more carefully. What we have observed in the UAE market is that many customers have not stopped buying — they have simply become more selective in their choices, with growing interest in pieces that stand out for their unique design and high craftsmanship alongside the intrinsic value of the metal itself."

"This trend reflects a growing appreciation for the creative and artistic value of jewellery, which has contributed to supporting the growth of Italian jewellery's market share to 8% during the first months of the current year."

  • 194 million euros: Italian jewellery exports to the UAE in just two months
  • UAE market drives Italian jewellery growth to an 8% market share
  • 1.3 billion euros: Italian jewellery exports to the UAE in 2025, up 12.6%