Consumer Guide · Dubai
Dubai Gold Purity Guide
Understanding hallmarks, karat stamps, how to verify purity, and your rights as a buyer in Dubai.
Gold Hallmark Reference Table
| Karat | Stamp/Mark | Purity | Colour | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24K | 999 or 999.9 | 99.9% | Deep vivid yellow | Purest commercial gold. Investment bars, coins. |
| 22K | 916 | 91.67% | Rich yellow | Most popular jewellery karat in Dubai. |
| 21K | 875 | 87.5% | Yellow | South Asian jewellery standard. |
| 18K | 750 | 75% | Yellow / White / Rose | European fine jewellery, stone settings. |
| 14K | 585 | 58.5% | Lighter yellow | Rare in Dubai; more common in Western markets. |
| 10K | 417 | 41.7% | Pale yellow | Minimum legal gold in some countries; uncommon in UAE. |
How to Verify Gold Purity in Dubai
1
Hallmark Inspection
The simplest check. Look for the fineness number (999, 916, 875, 750) stamped on the clasp, band, or inner surface. By Dubai law, every piece must be stamped. Use a loupe (jeweller's magnifier) if the stamp is small.
2
Electronic Tester
Ask the shop to test the piece on their electronic gold tester (multi-karat tester). These devices measure electrical conductivity to determine purity within a few seconds. Most reputable shops have these and will test for free.
3
XRF Testing
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) testing is the gold standard for accurate purity verification. Several independent labs near the Dubai Gold Souk offer XRF testing for AED 30–100 per item. The test is non-destructive and provides an exact percentage reading.
4
Dubai Assay Certificate
Investment gold bars from reputable mints come with assay certificates. The Dubai Assay Centre (DMCC) provides independent assay and hallmarking for gold bars. Ask for the assay certificate when buying larger bars (100g+).
Your Consumer Rights in Dubai
Dubai has strong consumer protection laws for gold buyers. Under UAE law:
- ✓Every piece of gold must be hallmarked with the correct karat stamp
- ✓Receipts must separately show gold weight, per-gram rate, making charges, and VAT
- ✓Shops cannot charge above the displayed DGJG rate without disclosure
- ✓You can demand a purity test before purchase at reputable shops
If you suspect mislabelling, contact the Dubai Economy & Tourism Department (consumer complaints) or the Dubai Central Laboratory for gold purity disputes. Keep all receipts and documentation.
FAQs — Dubai Gold Purity
How do I know if Dubai gold is pure?
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All gold sold legally in Dubai must be hallmarked with the correct karat stamp — enforced by the Dubai Central Laboratory and DGJG. Look for the stamp (999, 916, 875, or 750) on the clasp, inner surface, or tag of the jewellery. Licensed shops also provide certificates. The Dubai Assay system provides an additional government verification mark on some pieces.
What does 916 mean on gold in Dubai?
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916 is the fineness hallmark for 22K gold — meaning 916 parts per 1000 are pure gold, equal to 91.6% purity. It is the most common hallmark you will see in Dubai Gold Souk. Other common marks: 999 = 24K (99.9% pure), 875 = 21K (87.5%), 750 = 18K (75%).
Is Dubai gold hallmarked by law?
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Yes. UAE law requires all gold sold in the country to be hallmarked with the correct karat fineness. The Dubai Central Laboratory oversees hallmarking compliance. Retailers found selling mislabelled gold face fines and licence revocation. The DGJG monitors compliance through regular market inspections.
What is the Dubai Assay mark?
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The Dubai Assay Centre (part of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre/DMCC) provides an official assay and hallmarking service for gold. Pieces that pass assay testing receive the "Dubai Assay" stamp — a government-backed quality mark that proves the karat stamp has been independently verified. This is especially important for investment gold bars.
Can I test gold purity at Dubai shops?
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Yes. Most reputable Dubai jewellers have electronic gold testers on premises and will test any piece for free. You can also take gold to independent testing labs in Dubai (several operate near the Gold Souk in Deira). Avoid acid testing, which is destructive. XRF (X-ray fluorescence) testing gives the most accurate, non-destructive purity verification.
What if I buy gold in Dubai and it fails a purity test back home?
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If you bought from a licensed DGJG-registered shop with a proper receipt, you have recourse through Dubai Consumer Protection. Contact the Dubai Economy & Tourism Department. Reputable shops will exchange or refund if purity is found to be below the stated karat. Keep all receipts and certificates when buying gold in Dubai.