Introduction to Digital Gold Investment
In a significant step to transform the digital financial landscape of the region, a United Arab Emirates Emirati app has collaborated with Gradal Gold and Silver ownership to integrate FinTech and communication platforms. This partnership brings together Botim, the flagship of Astra Tech, to establish the first integrated gold investment function in the Middle East and North Africa.
The Partnership and Its Implications
The rollout, which follows an agreement signed in 2023, positions Botim as the first fintech ecosystem in the MENA region to offer gold investment services directly via its app. With over 8.5 million active users in the United Arab Emirates alone, the expansion of Botim into digital gold trade marks a substantial milestone in the country’s efforts to establish itself as a global hub for innovative and accessible financial services.
Features of the Digital Gold Investment Platform
Through this partnership, users can now buy, sell, and manage digital gold, starting from as little as 0.1 grams, thereby reducing traditional entry barriers. The integration also provides access to O Gold’s Gold Earning (Leasing) feature, which offers annual returns of 3 percent of Goldgram, evaluated against prevailing international gold rental prices.
Cultural and Economic Significance of Gold
"Gold has always held deep cultural, historical, and economic importance in this region. With this launch, we make fractionated gold investment easy and safe for everyone to start," said Ahmed Mourad, Chief Operating Officer at Astra Tech | Botim. "It reflects our commitment to innovation and provides over 8 million people in the UAE with more accessible opportunities to manage and grow their wealth with confidence."
Market Response and Certification
The response to O Gold’s model has been strong, with the platform attracting over 100,000 users since its introduction earlier this year. This highlights the appetite for flexible and Sharia-compliant gold investment solutions. The company has also received certification from the Center for Islamic Banking and Economics (CIBE), underscoring its commitment to ethical finance.
Democratization of Access to Gold Investment
"As a company founded by Emiratis, our goal is to make valuable metal ownership simple, accessible, and secure for everyone," said Bandar Alothman, founder of O Gold. "With the partnership with Botim and the use of its integrated payment system, we can reach millions of users, allowing them to start their gold investment journey with just a few taps. This is a game-changer for the democratization of access to one of the most trustworthy assets in the world."
The UAE’s Role in Global Gold Trade
The UAE’s role in global gold trade continues to grow, with the country recording gold exports of $53.41 billion in 2024-2025, solidifying its position as a leading hub for the precious metal industry. The introduction of fractional ownership by Botim further enhances this position, offering a broader population safe, accessible, and innovative investment opportunities.
Availability of the Gold Investment Function
The gold investment function is now fully live and available to users via the Botim-Invest section of the application, marking a significant step forward in the democratization of gold investment in the region.
