2025 Dubai Duty-Free Cheat-Sheet
How Many Carats Can You Fly Home Without Declaring?
The WhatsApp ping landed while I was waiting to board DXB-Mumbai:
"Shabnam, I just bought a 2 ct lab-grown emerald ring at Dubai Duty-Free. Will Indian customs confiscate it? Help!"
My college friend Priya was flying home for her engagement party. She’d slipped the ring onto her finger (smart move), but the worry in her voice told me she’d met the same question every Dubai shopper faces: how much carat weight can you legally carry without a red-channel interrogation?
Over a quick voice note and two screenshots, I walked her through the numbers. She landed, walked the green lane, zero drama.
Here’s the exact cheat-sheet I sent her, so you can shop, pack, and fly with the same confidence.
The Golden Rule (literally)
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Worn jewellery = personal effect.
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Loose stones in a pouch = merchandise.
Officers rarely stop a smiling bride wearing her ring; they always ask about a zip-lock bag of diamonds.
Leaving Dubai – UAE Side
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Zero export duty on gold, diamonds, or jewellery.
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Tip: Keep the invoice + lab certificate in your handbag, not checked luggage.
Entering Your Home Country – Quick-Glance Card
| Country | Duty-Free Limit | What to Declare |
|---|---|---|
| India | ₹50k gold jewellery worn on body | >1 kg gold or loose stones > USD 10k |
| UK | £390 total goods | Single item > £390 |
| USA | USD 800 total goods | Any loose stones (CBP form) |
| KSA | SAR 3k total goods | Gold > 2 kg or loose > USD 16k |
| Singapore | SGD 600 total goods | Goods > SGD 600 or any loose diamonds |
The Tamper-Proof Bag Trick
Slip your loose stones into a small, sealed pouch, keep it with your carry-on, and always have your certificate ready. It shows customs officers you’re transparent, not suspicious.
Dubai jewellery is dreamy, but a panic-free airport experience makes the sparkle last. Follow this cheat-sheet, and you’ll glide through customs like Priya, smiling, hands free, and ready for the engagement party.
Shabnam Bhojwani is a GIA Graduate Jeweller and holds a Masters in Jewelry Design from IIG India. She creates bespoke pieces for Dubai clients using lab-grown diamonds and premium gold.
Connect on LinkedIn: Shabnam Bhojwani
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