The covered lanes of the Gold Souk in Deira, the heart of Dubai Gold District. Photo: Radosław Botev, Wikimedia Commons, “Dubai Gold Souq (1)”, CC BY 3.0 PL (resized).
For decades, visitors have joked that the streets of Dubai are paved with gold. By the end of this year, one of them actually will be. Dubai Gold District has confirmed that it is preparing to open the Dubai gold walkway, a path made of 24-carat gold that it describes as the first and longest of its kind in the world. The announcement, reported by Gulf News this morning, is expected to land within the next two months.
The story was picked up quickly on X, and it is easy to see why. However, the walkway is only the newest chapter in a much older story, which you can already walk through today. This guide explains what has been announced, what is still unknown, and how to plan a visit to the gold lanes of Deira now, so that you are ready when the gold path opens.
What Has Been Announced About the Dubai Gold Walkway?
According to Gulf News, which published its report at 10:53am on Sunday 25 October, Dubai Gold District is getting ready to open the walkway before the end of 2026. Rashid Al Harmoodi, Senior Director of Commercial at the district, told Emarat Al Youm that tourists and residents will be able to walk along a golden path inside the district.
He said the project will be the first of its kind and the longest in the world. Meanwhile, Emirates 24|7 had carried the same news earlier in the morning. These are the key points confirmed so far:
- The walkway will be made of 24-carat gold.
- It is expected to open within the next two months, and before the end of 2026.
- It will sit within Dubai Gold District, the gold and jewellery quarter around the Gold Souk in Deira.
- It is designed as a new tourist landmark for both visitors and residents.
- The district is also planning a new exhibition space, which it hopes will become the largest gold and jewellery trading exhibition in the Middle East.
Gulf News also reported that the number of wholesale gold trading offices in the district has risen by 20 per cent since the start of 2026. New shops selling gold, jewellery, precious stones and watches are up by 15 per cent over the same period.
From “Gold Street” to Gold Walkway: How the Plan Has Grown
The idea is not entirely new. When Ithra Dubai launched Dubai Gold District on 27 January 2026, the Dubai Media Office announced that the district would include the world’s first “Gold Street”, a street constructed using gold. At the time, it promised that further details would follow in phases.
Gulf News covered that launch in January. Then, in May, Khaleej Times reported that construction was progressing and that the street was due to open in the fourth quarter of 2026. Al Harmoodi told the paper that visitors “will feel as though they are walking on gold”. Today’s update keeps to that timetable. In addition, it describes the Dubai gold walkway as 24-carat gold for the first time.
For example, the launch figures give a sense of scale. The district has more than 1,000 retailers across gold, jewellery, perfume, cosmetics and lifestyle. It is supported by six hotels with over 1,000 rooms, and it welcomed shoppers from more than 147 nationalities in 2025.
What We Do Not Know Yet About the Dubai Gold Walkway
Even so, it is worth being honest about the gaps. So far, neither the district nor the newspapers have published the following details:
- The exact location of the walkway within the district.
- Its length, design and how much gold it will contain.
- A firm opening date, beyond “within two months” and “before the end of 2026”.
- Whether entry will be free, and whether there will be visiting hours or photography rules.
For now, we would treat it as a free-to-walk public attraction only once the district confirms it. In the meantime, the official Dubai Gold District website is the place to watch for updates. We will add the details here as soon as they are announced.
What You Can See in Dubai Gold District Today
Fortunately, you do not need to wait for the Dubai gold walkway to enjoy the area. The covered lanes of the Gold Souk are free to wander, and the window displays are an attraction in their own right. Indeed, many families come simply to look, compare designs and soak up the atmosphere.
In addition, there is a brand-new record to see. On Saturday 24 October, the UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, unveiled a pair of 22-carat gold jhumka earrings at the Jewel of Joy by Joyalukkas showroom in the district. Gulf News reports that the pair weighs 16.514kg and has earned two Guinness World Records titles, for the heaviest and the largest pair of gold earrings.
The earrings measure 1.215 metres long and took 55 artisans some 5,840 hours to make. They are not for sale; instead, they are on permanent public display, with free entry from 10am to 10pm every day.
How to Get to Dubai Gold District
Parking in old Deira is tight. As a result, public transport is the easiest option. The district’s website lists two nearby Metro stations, Gold Souq and Al Ras, both on the Green Line. These are the simplest ways in:
- Metro: take the Green Line to Gold Souq or Al Ras. If you start on the Red Line, change at BurJuman or Union.
- Abra: cross Dubai Creek by traditional wooden boat from Bur Dubai to Deira Old Souq Abra Station. The fare is AED 1, paid in cash.
- Taxi: ask for the Gold Souk in Deira. At busy times, it is often quicker to get out at the edge of the old souks and walk.
Before you set off, check the RTA website or the S’hail app for live timings. Our Dubai Metro guide explains cards, zones and fares in more detail.
A Half-Day Walk Around Old Deira
In fact, the gold lanes are best enjoyed as part of a longer stroll. This easy route links the district with some of the oldest trading streets in the city:
- Start on the Bur Dubai side and cross the Creek by abra, enjoying the view of the dhows unloading cargo.
- Wander through the Spice Souk, where sacks of saffron, dried lemons and frankincense line the alleys.
- Continue into the Gold Souk and Dubai Gold District, and stop to see the record-breaking earrings.
- Finish with karak tea by the water as the lights come on along the Creek.
If you would like to add more history, our Sheikh Rashid heritage trail continues across the Creek to Al Shindagha. You could also visit the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, which lies a short walk from the Bur Dubai abra station.
Tips for Visiting the Gold Souk
Whether you come now or after the Dubai gold walkway opens, a little preparation makes the visit far more enjoyable. Keep these points in mind:
- Go in the late afternoon or evening. The lanes are cooler, busier and more atmospheric after sunset.
- The district lists its opening hours as 10am to 10pm, seven days a week. Individual shops vary, and some open later on Fridays after midday prayers.
- Ask before photographing shopkeepers or customers. Window displays are generally fine to photograph.
- Politely ignore touts offering “copy” watches and bags. Stick to established shops.
- Dress comfortably and respectfully, and wear shoes that are good for walking on uneven ground.
If you are thinking of buying rather than browsing, our guide to buying gold in Dubai explains daily rates, making charges and the tourist VAT refund. For the story of the souk itself, see our guide to the Gold Souq in Dubai.
Conclusion
The Dubai gold walkway turns an old figure of speech into a real place, and it should give Deira a fresh landmark before the year is out. Until the opening date is confirmed, though, the best plan is simple. Cross the Creek by abra, wander the spice and gold lanes, and see the record-breaking earrings while the crowds are still manageable. When the gold path finally opens, you will already know your way around.
FAQ
What is the Dubai gold walkway?
It is a planned pathway made of 24-carat gold inside Dubai Gold District, in Deira. The district says it will be the first and longest gold walkway in the world.
When will the Dubai gold walkway open?
Gulf News reported on 25 October 2026 that it is expected to open within the next two months, before the end of 2026. No exact date has been announced yet.
Where is Dubai Gold District?
It is in Deira, around the traditional Gold Souk next to Dubai Creek. The nearest Metro stations are Gold Souq and Al Ras on the Green Line.
Will the gold walkway be free to visit?
This has not been confirmed yet. However, the rest of the Gold Souk is free to wander, so check the Dubai Gold District website for details closer to the opening.
Where can I see the record-breaking gold earrings?
The Mayura Sahasra earrings are on permanent display at the Jewel of Joy by Joyalukkas showroom in Dubai Gold District. Entry is free from 10am to 10pm daily.
Key Takeaways
- Dubai Gold District plans to open the Dubai gold walkway, made of 24-carat gold, before the end of 2026.
- It was first announced as the world’s first “Gold Street” in January 2026.
- The location, length and entry details have not yet been published.
- You can already see two new Guinness World Records in the district, free of charge.
- The Green Line Metro or an AED 1 abra ride is the easiest way to get there.
