USD 37.80·EUR 42.10

Doing business with the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates is, after Switzerland, the largest buyer of Surinamese gold. In 2023 the Emirates imported USD 651 million from Suriname, almost all of it gold. For other products the market is small, but Dubai is a trading hub for sourcing.

Exports from Suriname (2023)
USD 651.2 million
UAE figures via UN Comtrade
Imports into Suriname (2023)
USD 50.3 million
UAE figures via UN Comtrade
Trade regime
No agreement
trade is about gold
On this page (12)
In short
  • Gold is 99.9% of exports: USD 650.6 million of USD 651.2 million in 2023 (latest UAE figures).
  • Gold exports need a licence and strict checks on origin (anti-money laundering).
  • The UAE ambassador to Suriname is based in Brazil; he presented his credentials on 21 August 2026.

Trade in figures

According to UAE figures (UN Comtrade), the Emirates imported USD 651.2 million from Suriname in 2023, of which USD 650.6 million was gold and precious metal; in 2022 the figure was USD 618.0 million. The UAE exported USD 50.3 million to Suriname in 2023. As of 26 October 2026 the UAE had not yet published 2024 and 2025 figures in Comtrade.

For comparison: Switzerland bought USD 1,221 million of gold from Suriname in 2025. Together these two countries take almost all of Suriname's gold exports.

Amounts in US dollars. Because Suriname does not report most of its exports (gold) by country, we use the partner country's figures: its imports from Suriname are Suriname's exports, its exports to Suriname are Suriname's imports. Imports usually include freight and insurance (CIF) and exports do not (FOB), so the two sides always differ somewhat.

Trade agreements and duties

Suriname has no trade agreement with the UAE. Gold is a special category for tax purposes in the UAE; which charges apply depends on the type of gold (raw, refined, jewellery) and the buyer. Have your buyer or refinery confirm this.

How rules of origin, certificates and preferential rates work is explained in Trade agreements and market access.

Market access in practice

Anyone who wants to export gold from Suriname needs an export licence and must comply with the Surinamese rules on gold buying and export (see the gold guide). Under the rules of the UAE Ministry of Economy, refineries and traders in the UAE must check the origin of gold (due diligence in line with the OECD guidance). Expect questions about the mine, the seller, mercury and payments.

For sourcing, Dubai (Jebel Ali) is a major hub for electronics, car parts, building materials and consumer goods from Asia and the Middle East.

Transport and travel

There are no direct flights between Suriname and the UAE; connections go via Amsterdam or other European hubs. Gold is shipped by specialised, insured carriers. Containers from Jebel Ali reach Paramaribo with transhipment.

Flights and sailing schedules change often. Check them with the airline or your forwarder before you plan. Shipping and logistics · Business trip to Suriname

Embassies and consulates

The UAE has no embassy in Paramaribo. On 21 August 2026 Sharif Essa Al Suwaidi, the UAE ambassador to Brazil, presented his credentials as non-resident ambassador to the President of Suriname. As far as we know, Suriname has no embassy in the UAE.

Addresses and opening hours of Suriname's missions are on the official site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: embassies.gov.sr.

Chambers, networks and support

We could not confirm a Suriname-UAE chamber of commerce or business council. In Dubai, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce is the usual entry point for foreign companies.

In Suriname, SITA (export and investment promotion), the KKF and EZOTI can help. Business organisations are listed in Business associations.

Opportunities

  • Selling gold through recognised channels with full origin documents.
  • Sourcing through Dubai of goods you would otherwise buy through several middlemen.

These are possibilities that fit the trade between the two countries, not a promise of customers. Test an idea first with conversations, samples and numbers. Market research

Watch out for

  • The gold trade is under close international anti-money laundering scrutiny: keep your records complete.
  • Cash payments and unlicensed intermediaries are a major risk.

How to start

  1. Test the market. Look at the figures above to see what is already traded, and talk to at least three buyers or suppliers. Market research
  2. Determine the HS code and the tariff. Look up the import duty in the destination country, and whether you can get a preference. Trade agreements and market access
  3. Meet the requirements. Certificate of origin, phytosanitary or health certificate, label and any registration of your business. Exporting from Suriname
  4. Agree delivery and payment. Choose an Incoterm, a payment method (prepayment, L/C) and the currency. Accepting payments
  5. Work out the total cost. Freight, insurance, duties and margin. Price and markup · Import cost calculator
  6. Start with a trial shipment and keep all documents per shipment. Proforma invoice

Guides that help next

Other countries

Sources

Checked on 26 October 2026. General information, not legal or customs advice. Have tariffs and requirements confirmed per shipment.