Dubai leads gold into digital age with tokenised revolution

Khaleej Times

22-07-2025

Dubai is spearheading a global shift in how investors access and trade gold, with the emirate's Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (Vara) playing a pivotal role in bringing tokenised gold into the financial mainstream.
As the appetite for stable, inflation-resistant assets grows, tokenisation — the process of issuing blockchain-based digital representations of real-world assets — is emerging as a game-changing solution, marrying the age-old appeal of gold with the speed and accessibility of modern finance.
At the heart of this transformation is the AuCan Gold project, a Canada-Dubai initiative that aims to create the world's largest integrated tokenised gold ecosystem, with an estimated $2.5 billion in real-world assets. Backed by over 1.5 million ounces of gold reserves in Ontario's Abitibi gold belt, AuCan's tokenised assets will offer investors access to both security and physical redemption.
AuCan's ecosystem is being developed in partnership with TheBlock, a Dubai-based chamber of virtual assets that works closely with regulators including Vara. Through this collaboration, AuCan plans to launch two distinct security tokens by the end of 2025. The first, AuCan Gold Token, will be backed by a portfolio of gold assets. The second, AuCan Pro Token, offers token holders the right to redeem one ounce of physical gold at a future date — at a price initially set below current spot rates.
Leon Dadoun, president of AuCan Gold Inc, explained that the initiative aims to democratise access to precious metals. 'Tokenisation provides global investors, both large and small, with a secure and innovative way to benefit from the long-term strength of gold — particularly in a region like Canada that is rich in resources and political stability,' he said.
What sets Dubai apart in this burgeoning sector is its proactive and clear regulatory stance. Vara's framework, established in 2022, has given Dubai an edge over more cautious jurisdictions like Switzerland or Singapore. Combined with a robust virtual asset infrastructure and investor-friendly zones such as the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), the emirate is fast becoming the global hub for the tokenised gold economy — sometimes dubbed 'Precious Metals 2.0.'
The appeal of tokenised gold lies in its unique advantages. Unlike traditional bullion, which requires physical storage, insurance, and logistics, tokenised gold is digital, portable, and divisible. It can be traded globally 24/7 and integrated seamlessly into digital wallets, DeFi protocols, and modern asset management platforms. Each token is typically backed 1:1 with audited reserves stored in regulated vaults, preserving the intrinsic value of physical gold while offering the utility of a cryptocurrency.
From a macroeconomic perspective, demand for tokenised gold is rising in tandem with global uncertainty. Inflationary pressures, geopolitical risks, and volatile equity markets are driving investors to seek refuge in assets that retain purchasing power. Gold has long fulfilled that role, and tokenisation is making it more accessible and functional for the digital age.
This evolution is mirrored by the rise of other gold-backed digital products such as Paxos Gold (PAXG), Tether Gold (XAUT), and Australia's PMGT, which together command a market capitalisation of approximately $1.4 billion. While still a fraction of the $13 trillion global gold market, these offerings signal a shift from speculative use cases to institutional-grade instruments.
Analysts forecast that by 2030, tokenised real-world assets — including gold, real estate, and equities — could reach up to $30 trillion. If just 5 per cent of the world's 200,000-tonne gold supply is tokenised, it would represent a market worth $600 billion.
Dubai's strategic leadership in this sector is no coincidence. Vara, supported by the UAE's broader economic vision, has established a comprehensive regulatory environment that fosters innovation while protecting investors. Initiatives like the gold token pilot programme under DeFi protocols are part of a broader effort to embed tokenisation into the UAE's commodity trading, wealth management, and digital finance landscape.
In addition to institutional adoption, consumer engagement is also being addressed. AuCan Gold has partnered with Web3 creative agency Flashy to produce educational and interactive content aimed at attracting a new generation of gold investors. By making tokenised gold more relatable and visible, such campaigns can increase financial literacy and participation among retail investors.
Precious metals analysts as the global financial ecosystem embraces digital transformation, gold tokenisation offers a compelling bridge between tradition and innovation. 'For investors seeking both the security of precious metals and the functionality of digital assets, Dubai's leadership in this domain could prove to be both pioneering and profitable. The emirate's blend of regulation, infrastructure, and ambition is positioning it as the definitive launchpad for the next generation of commodity investing — with gold as its vanguard.'