In a city defined by superlatives, Dubai has announced its next major attraction: a walkway made of 24-carat gold. Officials claim it will be the longest in the world, aiming to cement the city's status as a global hub for gold and tourism.
A Glimmering New Attraction
The Dubai Gold
District has revealed plans for what it calls the world's first and longest walkway constructed from 24-carat gold. The announcement was made in late October 2026 by Rashid Al Harmoudi, a senior director at the district, who stated the project is expected to open before the end of the year, possibly within two months. This unique pathway will allow residents and tourists to stroll along a shimmering golden route in Deira, the city's historic trading heart. The project is part of a broader strategy to enhance Dubai's appeal as a top-tier tourist destination and reinforce its long-standing reputation as the 'City of Gold'.
The 'Dubai Gold District' Vision
This walkway is a headline feature of the larger Dubai Gold District, a massive, purpose-built destination officially launched by developer Ithra Dubai in January 2026. The district was designed to consolidate the entire gold and jewellery value chain—from retail and wholesale to bullion trading and investment—into a single, unified location. It's an expansion and modernisation of the area surrounding the famous, centuries-old Dubai Gold Souk. The new district aims to rejuvenate the historic commercial hub by blending modern infrastructure with the area's unique cultural heritage, ultimately housing over 1,000 retailers. The project is a key part of the Deira Enrichment Project, which is transforming large parts of the waterfront area.
Putting 'Longest' into Context
While officials have called the planned walkway the 'world's longest', its exact length has not yet been publicly disclosed. To claim the title, it will need to surpass other significant pedestrian structures. For example, Guinness World Records recognizes the Hartland Covered Bridge in New Brunswick, Canada, as the world's longest covered bridge at 391 metres. In a more modern context, the Pickering Pedestrian Bridge in Ontario, Canada, holds the record for the longest enclosed pedestrian bridge, spanning 250 metres over a major highway and rail lines. The Dubai project's 'gold' construction makes it a unique category, but its final measurements will determine where it stands in the global ranking of impressive walkways.
More Than Just a Golden Path
The gold walkway is more than just a tourist gimmick; it's a strategic investment in the district's commercial future. Its announcement coincided with another milestone: a pair of enormous gold 'jhumka' style earrings securing two Guinness World Records. These high-profile initiatives are designed to draw global attention and footfall. Officials report that the Dubai Gold District has already seen significant growth in 2026, with a 20% increase in wholesale gold trading offices and a 15% rise in new jewellery and luxury watch stores. The walkway is expected to further boost these numbers by creating a unique experience that combines shopping with sightseeing, reinforcing the area as a must-visit destination.
What to Expect Next
According to official statements, the gold walkway is on a fast track for completion, with an opening slated before the end of 2026. This development is happening alongside ongoing expansion within the district to meet rising demand from new businesses. The district is also planning what it hopes will become the largest gold and jewellery trade exhibition in the Middle East. For visitors and shoppers, this means the experience in historic Deira is set to become more streamlined and modern, with improved facilities like shaded walkways, better transport connectivity, and thousands of new parking spaces—all while aiming to preserve the traditional charm of the souk.
