UAE remains ‘main destination’ for gold smuggled out of Sudan and other war zones

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been identified as the primary destination for gold smuggled out of various war zones, according to a report by Switzerland's Swissaid foundation. In 2024, the UAE imported at least 591 tonnes of illicit gold, with the majority of it originating from conflict-affected nations such as Sudan, Yemen, and Russia.

The UAE, now the world's second-largest gold trading hub after Switzerland, continues to be a major destination for gold exports from countries subject to international sanctions. The report highlights the UAE's involvement in both the wars in Yemen and Sudan, where it supports the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF), accused of committing genocide in Darfur.

Gold from these regions is smuggled through Egypt and Ethiopia to reach the UAE, where it is primarily sold in Dubai's gold market. The report emphasizes that the production of gold in Sudan is dominated by artisanal miners, and a significant portion of it is smuggled out of the country, with many of these miners benefiting from the lucrative trade.