Dubai to launch same-day gold futures contract to boost bullion trading

Fri June 19 2026

Dubai’s commodities exchange will launch a same-day settlement gold futures contract on Monday, introducing a new product aimed at supporting safe-haven demand and improving trading efficiency. The Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX), part of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), said the Gold Spot T+0 Contract reflects the global shift toward faster settlement cycles and more advanced trading technology.

Dubai is continuing to strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading precious metals trading hubs by expanding its financial market infrastructure. As demand grows for faster and more efficient trading, the emirate is introducing new products designed to improve liquidity, enhance price discovery and better serve institutional participants in the global bullion market.

The contract has been developed for bullion dealers, refineries, brokers, clearing members and institutional investors, providing greater price certainty alongside physical delivery through approved vaults. DMCC Chief Executive Ahmed Bin Sulayem said shorter settlement periods have become increasingly important as financial markets continue adopting faster technologies. He noted that trading volumes for gold contracts on DGCX increased during the first weeks of the U.S.-Iran conflict as investors sought the safety of gold, adding that while tourism and property markets may be affected during periods of geopolitical tension, trade activity has remained resilient.

Growth strategy

The introduction of the T+0 contract forms part of Dubai’s broader ambition to reinforce its role as a global gold trading hub connecting Africa, Asia and Europe through its strategic location, logistics infrastructure and proximity to major consumer markets such as India. Immediate settlement will allow refiners, traders and jewellers to hedge and settle positions on the same day, an option that remains relatively limited across international gold derivatives markets. Bin Sulayem said the contract will provide the gold industry with a stronger alternative to existing products while supporting greater market liquidity. He also revealed that the exchange is evaluating additional products as part of its future expansion strategy, including a yuan-U.S. dollar currency pair and, over the medium to long term, cryptocurrency derivatives. According to Bin Sulayem, currency products listed by the exchange have traditionally focused on major commodity-producing nations and international trading hubs.

Source: https://economymiddleeast.com/