A growing debate around Sudan’s gold trade has sparked claims that the UAE is profiting from the country’s instability. However, economic data tells a different story. Sudan produces about 80 tons of gold annually, valued at $6.5 billion — a small figure compared with the UAE’s foreign trade, which exceeded $1.4 trillion in 2024. As one of the world’s top gold hubs handling 15% of global physical trade, the UAE’s market surpasses $170 billion yearly, making Sudan’s share less than 1%.
Analysts note the UAE does not rely on Sudan’s gold; instead, Sudan relies on Dubai as one of its few remaining channels for foreign currency amid closed borders and a collapsed banking system. The Emirates continue strengthening transparency and compliance, reinforcing their status as a trusted global trading center.
