Emirati-made gold jewellery gains market share as local output rises to 220 tonnes
Emirati-made gold jewellery now represents roughly 30% of UAE retail, with local manufacturing rising to 220 tonnes and Q1 2026 sales up about 10% year-on-year.
The share of Emirati-made gold jewellery in domestic markets has reached approximately 30%, industry officials say, driven by rising local production, expanding model ranges and improved quality. Local manufacturing climbed to about 220 tonnes after previously averaging between 150 and 180 tonnes, while sales of domestically produced pieces grew strongly in the first quarter of 2026. Market participants and traders expect continued gains in the coming years as consumer demand and investment in the sector both increase.
Emirati-made gold jewellery reaches 30% market share
Tawhid Abdullah, chairman of Dubai Jewellery Group, told reporters that Emirati-made gold jewellery now accounts for roughly 30% of total jewellery traded in UAE markets. He said the shift reflects steady annual growth in local fabrication capacity and a broader consumer preference for locally produced designs. The chairman framed the change as part of a multi-year trend that is beginning to alter the composition of goods on shop floors across the country.
Local production volume climbs to 220 tonnes
Industry data shared by sector sources indicate that local manufacturing volumes have expanded to about 220 tonnes, up from a prior range of 150–180 tonnes. That increase demonstrates significant capacity additions at manufacturing facilities and greater throughput among existing workshops. Officials highlighted that higher volumes are enabling jewelers to supply both domestic demand and export orders more reliably.
Q1 2026 sales and demand surge
Sales of locally manufactured jewellery rose by around 10% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025, according to Dubai Jewellery Group estimates. Independent gold trader Abdullah Mohammed Ali reported quarterly demand growth for Emirati-made pieces between 10% and 15%, citing stronger consumer interest and expanded product offerings. Traders linked the uptick to seasonality, refreshed collections and heightened shopper confidence in locally made products.
Manufacturing growth supported by model diversification
Executives say improvements in design diversity and product quality have played a central role in increasing the appeal of Emirati-made gold jewellery. Local workshops have broadened their portfolios, introducing new models that target younger buyers as well as traditional consumers. The wider selection and better finishing standards have helped domestically produced pieces compete more effectively with imported lines, particularly in mid- to higher-end segments.
Cost dynamics and consumer preference shifts
Market participants point to more competitive manufacturing fees for locally made goods as a factor in shifting consumer preferences away from imported 21-carat pieces. Lower processing and logistic costs, combined with quicker lead times, have narrowed price differentials and made Emirati-made jewellery more attractive for everyday buyers and gift purchasers. Traders also noted that buyers increasingly value provenance and craftsmanship tied to local production.
Exports and the outlook for further growth
Beyond domestic sales, locally manufactured gold jewellery and bullion are being marketed for export, providing an additional channel for growth. Industry leaders forecast that the share of Emirati-made pieces in the UAE market will continue to rise over the next two years as production capacity expands and more brands adopt locally sourced collections. They expect investment into fabrication technologies and design capabilities to accelerate the sector’s upward trajectory.
The combination of rising production to 220 tonnes, double-digit sales growth in early 2026, and shifting consumer preferences has strengthened the case for continued expansion of Emirati-made gold jewellery. Market observers say sustained investment in quality, design and scale will determine how quickly local manufacturers capture a larger share of the regional jewellery market.
