UAE Free Zone Company for Commodity Trading 2026 — Setup Guide
UAE is one of the world’s leading commodity trading hubs. From gold and precious metals to oil, food commodities, and chemicals, UAE free zones support a wide range of commodity trading activities. Here is the 2026 guide.
In this guide:
UAE Commodity Trading Landscape
- DMCC: World’s number one free zone for commodity trading; home to 22,000+ commodity trading companies
- Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX): Derivatives exchange for commodities including gold, oil, and currencies
- Jafza: Physical commodity storage and re-export hub
- ADEX (Abu Dhabi Commodities Exchange): Growing commodities platform
Key Commodity Trading Activities in UAE Free Zones
- Gold and precious metals trading (DMCC Gold licence)
- Diamond and gemstone trading (DMCC Diamond Licence)
- Crude oil and petroleum products trading
- Agricultural commodities (grains, sugar, cotton)
- Chemical commodities (polymers, petrochemicals)
- Metal and minerals (steel, aluminum, copper)
DMCC Gold Trading Licence Requirements 2026
- DMCC Gold Licence: Specifically for gold and precious metals trading in UAE
- Requirements: DMCC company formation; Good Delivery standards compliance; KYC and AML procedures
- LBMA (London Bullion Market Association): DMCC refinery list aligned with LBMA standards
- Cost: AED 50,000-100,000+ year 1 including licence and related fees
UAE Commodity Trading and CT
- Commodity trading income: Generally QFZP qualifying if trading with non-UAE counterparties
- Commodities processed or delivered within UAE: May have non-qualifying income component
- DMCC commodity traders: Significant QFZP planning opportunity; review with UAE tax advisor