Dubai Gold Refinery

Dubai Gold Refinery: Building and Upgrading a Globally Compliant Facility

Setting up or upgrading a Dubai Gold Refinery is a complex, high-stakes process that demands meticulous planning, robust compliance, and a keen understanding of international expectations. Dubai’s reputation as a global gold hub is built on its advanced infrastructure, strategic location, and the presence of world-class refineries. However, the sector continues to operate under the close scrutiny of international watchdogs, making regulatory alignment and transparency non-negotiable for long-term success.

UAE Good Delivery Approved Refineries

• Al Etihad
• Sam Precious Metals FZ LLC
• Emirates Gold DMCC – Under temporary suspension effective 7th July 2023

Other Major Refineries

• IPMR
• MTMO (Formerly Kaloti)
• Gulf Gold
• Motiwala Gold Trading LLC
• Dijllah Gold
• Fujairah Gold

Non-operational

• Al Ghurair Gold Refinery DMCC – Permanently closed

Dubai’s gold refinery sector continues to operate under the close watch of international watchdogs and regulatory bodies. This means all refineries must maintain strict compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, responsible sourcing, and international best practices. Whether your goal is to achieve UAE Good Delivery accreditation, enhance operational efficiency, or strengthen your compliance posture, our team can help you navigate every step of the process.

Strategic Project Planning and Feasibility

Launching a Dubai Gold Refinery begins with a comprehensive feasibility study and project roadmap. Site selection is critical-free zones such as DMCC offer regulatory clarity, streamlined licensing, and direct access to global markets. We can assist you in evaluating locations, designing workflow-optimized layouts, and ensuring your facility is future-ready.

• Market Analysis: Understand regional and global demand for casted and minted products.
• Capacity Planning: Define throughput targets and scalability options.
• Risk Assessment: Identify regulatory, operational, and supply chain risks from the outset.

Contact us for tailored feasibility and project planning support to ensure your refinery is built on solid foundations.

Facility Design, Equipment, and Security

A Dubai Gold Refinery must be engineered for both efficiency and compliance. This involves:

• Workflow Optimization: Unidirectional material flow, process isolation, and modular expansion capabilities.
• Equipment Selection: Induction furnaces, aqua regia reactors, advanced assay labs, secure vaults, and environmental controls.
• Security Infrastructure: Biometric access, 24/7 surveillance, and controlled access to sensitive zones.

Our team can guide you through technical specifications, vendor evaluation, and integration of best-in-class security and EHS protocols.

Regulatory Compliance and Responsible Sourcing

Dubai’s gold sector is governed by rigorous anti-money laundering (AML) and responsible sourcing regulations. Compliance is not just a local requirement-international bodies such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and the OECD continue to monitor the sector closely. Refineries must implement robust AML frameworks, conduct supply chain due diligence, and maintain audit-ready documentation.

• Licensing: Secure all necessary permits, especially if operating in DMCC.
• AML/CFT Controls: Implement risk-based client onboarding, transaction monitoring, and suspicious activity reporting.
• Responsible Sourcing: Align with OECD Due Diligence Guidance for precious metals.

We can help you build and maintain a compliance architecture that satisfies both UAE regulators and international standards.

Quality Assurance and International Certification

Achieving and maintaining global certifications is essential for market access and institutional trust. Dubai Gold Refineries aiming for LBMA or RJC accreditation must demonstrate excellence in governance, traceability, and responsible business conduct.

• Gap Assessment: Identify areas for improvement in your current systems.
• Documentation: Prepare SOPs, registers, and audit trails for all key processes.
• Audit Readiness: Conduct mock audits and staff training to ensure compliance with LBMA, RJC, and OECD standards.

Our experts can support your certification journey from readiness assessment to successful audit completion.

Operational Excellence and Supply Chain Integrity

A compliance-first approach to operations is now a market differentiator. We assist clients with:

• Supplier Onboarding: Vetting, documentation, and ongoing monitoring.
• Batch Traceability: Digital solutions for end-to-end product tracking.
• EHS Management: Best practices for chemical handling, emissions, and waste management.

Let us help you implement operational systems that build trust with buyers, regulators, and certification bodies.

Navigating Ongoing International Scrutiny

Dubai Gold Refineries remain under the microscope of international organizations. The sector’s credibility hinges on transparency, ethical sourcing, and proactive compliance. Our advisory services are designed to help you stay ahead of evolving global requirements, mitigate reputational risks, and secure access to premium markets.

Staffing, Training, and Culture of Compliance

A skilled, compliance-aware workforce is vital. We offer training programs in AML, responsible sourcing, and operational best practices, helping you build a culture of compliance and operational excellence. Transparent, traceable supply chains are now a regulatory and commercial necessity. We help you implement digital solutions and best-in-class supplier onboarding to ensure every ounce of gold is ethically sourced and fully documented.

The Future of Gold Refining in Dubai

Dubai’s gold refinery sector is evolving rapidly, shaped by regulatory reforms, technological innovation, and global scrutiny. The government’s commitment to upholding international standards is clear, and the sector’s resilience depends on continuous improvement and proactive compliance. Refineries that invest in robust systems, transparent sourcing, and global certifications will be best positioned to thrive as Dubai’s role in the global gold market continues to grow.

Contact Us for Dubai Gold Refinery Advisory

If you want to ensure your Dubai Gold Refinery is compliant, competitive, and ready for global scrutiny, our team is here to support you at every stage-from feasibility and licensing to, specie insurance, certification, audit readiness, and beyond.