Despite the Dubai gold rate holding steady above Dh370 per gram for 22K and Dh440 for 24K, UAE shoppers are not backing down. Instead, they’re getting creative—turning to monthly gold instalment plans as a smart strategy to navigate record-high prices while still investing in the precious metal.
As of today, the 22K Dubai gold rate sits at Dh373 per gram, following a consistent upward trend driven by international prices that recently saw gold nearing $3,500 an ounce. In response, resident shoppers and even frequent visitors to the UAE are signing up for monthly gold instalment schemes offered by top jewellery retailers across Dubai and other emirates.
A Flexible Path to Gold Ownership
These gold instalment plans allow customers to contribute fixed amounts monthly—usually between Dh1,000 and Dh2,000, though some plans accept even smaller contributions. Over a fixed period, these payments accumulate and can later be redeemed for any form of gold: be it jewellery, bars, or coins.
Retailers are also sweetening the deal with exclusive incentives, such as free gold grams, discounts on making charges, or loyalty points. This structure allows buyers to lock in their commitment while waiting for a price dip that suits their budget.
According to one major jewellery retailer, “The monthly instalment schemes have become extremely popular, particularly after gold touched $3,500 an ounce. Customers are not rushing into purchases; instead, they’re planning ahead and using these schemes as a buffer against future price increases.”
Shoppers Evolve Into Strategic Investors
This shift in buying behaviour reflects a broader transformation in the mindset of UAE gold shoppers, who are now approaching their purchases more like investors. Traditionally, gold shopping was often impulse-driven, especially around festive seasons or personal milestones. But with prices soaring, shoppers are adapting, choosing delayed gratification and strategic accumulation over immediate splurges.
This trend has even extended to non-residents. Many frequent UAE visitors, especially from nearby regions, are enrolling in Dubai gold instalment plans, attracted by the country’s tax-free gold market and the ease of redemption during their visits.
“Instead of random gold purchases, customers now prefer to build up their investments over time. It helps them target specific weights or jewellery sets and manage their spending more efficiently,” the retailer added.
Investment Demand Outpaces Jewellery Sales
The World Gold Council has observed this behavioural shift for over a year now. In 2024, gold bar and coin sales outperformed jewellery sales in the Gulf, signalling that gold buyers were leaning more toward investment-grade products than ornamental use. This trend accelerated as prices approached historic highs.
The Dubai gold rate touched a peak of Dh388 per gram for 22K and Dh412 for 24K earlier in the year. Since breaching the Dh300 mark in October 2024, prices have surged more than 30% in under six months—outpacing returns from many traditional investment assets.
Rising Digital Interest in Gold
Online behaviour further supports this growing interest. According to James Campion from trading platform eToro, “Google search data shows that ‘Buy Gold’ queries from UAE-based users have reached a five-year high. This indicates rising consumer confidence in gold as a safe-haven asset, despite the elevated price levels.”
With the Dubai gold rate maintaining its climb, more residents are choosing calculated strategies over spontaneous buying. By opting into monthly gold instalment schemes, they’re not just purchasing gold—they’re laying the groundwork for long-term gold investment in the UAE.
Looking Ahead
As geopolitical uncertainties and inflation continue to influence global markets, gold remains one of the most trusted assets. And UAE shoppers, with their strategic adoption of instalment plans, are finding smart ways to benefit from it—waiting patiently for the right time to make their move.
Whether prices dip or continue to rise, one thing is clear: UAE shopper-investors are now playing the long game when it comes to gold. And with the support of flexible payment options and attractive dealer incentives, the Dubai gold rate is no longer a barrier—it’s an opportunity in disguise.
