Investigation reveals UAE smuggled over 1 5 tons of Yemeni gold to Dubai via Aden and Al Rayyan airports

An investigative report published by the “Sheba Intelligence” platform on Saturday revealed that the UAE transported more than 1.5 tons of Yemeni gold through Aden International Airport and Al-Rayyan Airport in the Hadramout governorate to Dubai during the period between May 2024 and December 2025, amid growing questions about monitoring mechanisms and disclosure of these shipments.
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According to the investigation published by the platform known for its closeness to “Saudi Arabia,” 13 separate, non-repetitive transfer operations were documented, totaling approximately 1.37 tons of gold, with an estimated value of about $188 million. The total volume rises to more than 1.59 tons, valued at nearly $218 million, when including six additional operations still under verification.
The investigation indicated that the shipments included raw gold and gold bullion, in addition to quantities registered under the names of individual traders and travelers.
It noted that linking large quantities of gold to passengers raises questions about source verification procedures, legal licenses, and customs and tax obligations.
The investigation showed that Aden International Airport was the main point of departure for the majority of shipments heading to Dubai, while Al-Rayyan Airport emerged in operations related to transporting bullion and raw gold, along with money and gold movement in both directions.
The investigation linked these data to the recent incident of seizing random and unlicensed gold processing workshops in the city of Mukalla days ago, considering that these facts reveal the scale of challenges associated with monitoring high-value assets under the current circumstances the country is experiencing.
Observers believe that the investigation reveals a small and incomplete part of the picture of the depletion of Yemeni wealth by the coalition forces “Saudi and Emirati” during the years of the ongoing war, which have exacerbated the living and economic suffering of Yemenis.