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

A report by Swiss foundation Swissaid says the UAE remains a major hub for smuggled and conflict-linked gold, despite legislation introduced in 2023 to curb illicit flows. The finding matters because gold from countries affected by war or sanctions can help sustain armed groups and is difficult to trace once traded through the UAE.

The report says the UAE imported at least 591 tonnes of illicit gold in 2024, including at least 174.5 tonnes from Russia, Yemen and Sudan, which Swissaid classifies as conflict gold. More than 95 per cent of gold declared by partner countries as coming from Sudan, Niger, the Central African Republic, Zimbabwe, Libya, Togo and Cameroon was imported into the UAE. Sudanese gold is largely mined by artisanal workers and often smuggled through neighbouring countries before reaching Dubai; the UAE denies backing an armed party in Sudan and says its role is humanitarian.