In a city known for its architectural superlatives, Dubai is adding another glittering attraction to its list: a walkway made of 24-carat gold. The project promises to be the first and longest of its kind, offering a new reason to visit its historic trading
heart.
A Path Paved with Gold
Dubai has officially announced plans to construct the world's first walkway made of 24-carat gold, set to open before the end of 2026. Officials have indicated the attraction could be ready within two months, creating a unique experience for tourists and residents to literally walk on gold. This shimmering path will be a central feature of the newly developed Dubai Gold District in Deira, the city's traditional commercial hub. While the exact length and construction details have not been fully disclosed, the project is described as the longest walkway of its kind anywhere in the world, intended to be a major tourist draw.
The New Heart of the 'City of Gold'
This golden walkway is the star attraction of the much larger Dubai Gold District, a purpose-built development launched in January 2026. This district is an ambitious expansion of the famous, centuries-old Dubai Gold Souk. While the traditional souk has around 380 retailers, the new Gold District is designed to be a comprehensive hub for the entire industry, hosting more than 1,000 retailers, wholesalers, and offices for bullion trading and investment. The project, developed by Ithra Dubai, aims to modernise the area while preserving its cultural heritage, cementing Dubai’s nickname as the 'City of Gold'. The district has already seen a significant increase in business, with a 20% rise in wholesale gold trading offices and a 15% increase in new jewellery stores in 2026 alone.
More Than Just a Tourist Attraction
The gold walkway is a key part of a broader economic strategy. For decades, Dubai's economy and identity have been intertwined with the gold trade. This new development aims to strengthen that legacy and boost the emirate's global standing as a top destination for both tourism and the gold industry. The United Arab Emirates is already one of the world's largest centres for physical gold trade. By creating an Instagram-worthy landmark, Dubai hopes to attract more visitors to the Gold District, driving footfall to the thousands of retailers there. The district also plans to host what it aims to be the Middle East's largest gold and jewellery trade exhibition, further solidifying its commercial importance.
Another Jewel in Dubai's Crown
The gold walkway fits perfectly into Dubai's playbook of building audacious, record-breaking structures that capture global attention. From the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, to man-made islands like the Palm Jumeirah, the city has consistently used architectural marvels to build its brand. The announcement of the gold walkway was even made alongside the reveal of two new Guinness World Records for the world's largest and heaviest pair of handcrafted gold earrings, a traditional 'Jhumka' style. This project is not just about luxury; it's a statement of intent, blending commerce, tourism, and spectacle in a way that has become quintessentially Dubai.
