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As cross-border rules tighten and lifestyles become increasingly digital, the shift from suitcases to smartphones seems inevitable
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For many Indians in Dubai, clicking to invest is proving safer, smarter, and better suited to today’s realities than carrying gold the old-fashioned way
For generations, gold has held a special place in the lives of Indian expatriates in the Gulf. More than a financial asset, it symbolized security, tradition, and a tangible connection to home. Trips from Dubai to India often included carefully packed gold coins, bars, or jewellery—intended for family milestones or long-term savings. However, changing regulations and rising costs are now prompting a rethink of this age-old practice.
In recent years, the process of carrying physical gold from the UAE to India has become increasingly complex. Import duties ranging from roughly 13.75% to 16.5%, along with stricter compliance checks and customs scrutiny, have significantly reduced the appeal of transporting bullion. Add to this the risks of confiscation, loss, or damage, and what was once a trusted habit has turned into a logistical challenge.
Against this backdrop, Indian expats in Dubai are gradually embracing digital gold as a practical alternative. Rather than abandoning their cultural affinity for gold, they are adapting it to fit a more connected and regulated world. Digital gold platforms allow investors to buy and sell gold online, often backed by physical reserves held in secure vaults, without the need to personally store or transport the metal
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The appeal lies largely in convenience and efficiency. Digital gold offers fractional ownership, enabling investors to start with small amounts rather than committing to large purchases. Pricing is transparent and aligned with global markets, and liquidity is almost instant—gold can be sold with a few clicks whenever funds are needed. Importantly for many in the region, several platforms also ensure regulatory oversight and Shariah compliance, addressing both legal and ethical considerations.
Physical gold also carries hidden costs that digital options eliminate. Storage fees, insurance expenses, and making charges on jewellery can quietly erode returns over time. Digital gold, by contrast, removes these friction points while offering global access and real-time portfolio tracking. There is no worry about airport checks, paperwork, or carrying valuables across borders.
Fintech platforms operating in the Gulf are positioning themselves not as disruptors of tradition, but as its modern custodians. By combining technology with regulatory compliance, they enable Indian expatriates to preserve their long-standing relationship with gold—just without the baggage.
