Dubai: Investors in the UAE are increasingly turning to gold as a safe-haven asset, even as U.S. stock markets continue to hit record highs. Concerned about stretched valuations in equities and the volatility of cryptocurrencies, many are adding gold bars, coins, and digital gold to their portfolios.
Gold is currently trading near $3,350 an ounce globally, with Dubai prices steady at Dh372.25 per gram since mid-August. While short-term price movements have been limited, the metal has gained more than $400 per ounce over the past six months, reinforcing its appeal as a hedge against uncertainty.
Alongside the move into gold, some investors are channeling profits from stocks and crypto into Dubai real estate, particularly studios and one-bedroom apartments priced around Dh500,000. Agents say these smaller units are in demand for rental yields of 5%–7%, with some deals even being settled in cryptocurrency after Bitcoin crossed $110,000.
Analysts note that U.S. technology stocks now trade at valuations well above historic peaks, fueling skepticism about how long the rally can last. This has prompted many UAE investors to “de-risk” by diversifying into gold and income-generating properties, rather than relying solely on equities or digital assets.
With gold demand also rising in major markets like China, where ETF inflows recently hit record levels, UAE investors appear aligned with a broader global shift toward safer, long-term holdings.
