With India increasing gold import duty from 6 per cent to 15 per cent, demand for gold jewellery in the UAE has surged as buyers seek to take advantage of the widening price difference between the two countries. Amid the rush, jewellers in Dubai have clarified that Indian travellers and non-resident Indians (NRIs) are allowed to carry gold coins and bars into India, but only after declaration and payment of applicable customs duty.

Ramesh Kalyanaraman, executive director of Kalyan Jewellers, said NRIs and Indian travellers can bring gold into India from the UAE in accordance with Indian customs regulations. He noted that gold coins and bars are also permitted, provided they are declared and customs duty is paid as required under Indian law.

Anil Dhanak, managing director of Kanz Jewels, said gold coins and bars do not fall under the duty-free jewellery allowance and must be declared at Indian Customs on arrival.

As of Monday evening, 24K gold in Dubai was priced at Dh547.25 per gram, while the rate in India stood at around Rs15,600 (Dh595) per gram, further boosting buying interest among travellers and tourists.

Under India’s latest Customs Baggage Rules 2026, passengers who have stayed abroad for more than one year can bring limited quantities of gold jewellery duty-free. Male passengers are allowed to carry up to 20 grams valued at Rs50,000, while female passengers can bring up to 40 grams valued at Rs100,000 without paying duty. Any quantity beyond these limits attracts customs duty under the revised structure.

Data released by the World Gold Council for the first quarter of 2026 showed that demand for gold coins and bars in the UAE rose 27 per cent year-on-year to 4 tonnes, compared to 3.1 tonnes during the same period last year. The increase was driven by both residents and tourists expecting gold prices to continue rising.

The Council also noted that investment demand in India through gold bars, coins and gold ETFs remained strong at the start of 2026, supported by price momentum, geopolitical uncertainties and limited alternative investment opportunities.

At the same time, gold jewellery demand in India declined sharply, falling 19 per cent from 81.6 tonnes in the first quarter of 2025 to 66.1 tonnes in the corresponding period this year. According to the Council, many buyers may have shifted towards bars and coins because they carry lower making charges and premiums compared to jewellery.