In a landmark step for digital finance in the region, O Gold — the UAE’s first homegrown platform for fractional gold and silver ownership — has partnered with Botim, Astra Tech’s flagship AI-powered fintech and communications app, to launch the Middle East and North Africa’s first integrated gold investment feature.

This rollout, following a 2023 agreement, positions Botim as the first fintech ecosystem in the MENA region to embed gold investment services directly into its platform. With over 8.5 million active users in the UAE alone, Botim’s expansion into digital gold trading underscores the country’s vision of becoming a global hub for innovative and accessible financial solutions.

Through this collaboration, users can now buy, sell, and manage digital gold investments starting from as little as 0.1 grams, effectively lowering traditional barriers to entry. The feature also grants access to O Gold’s gold leasing programme, which offers an annual yield of 3 percent in gold grams, benchmarked against prevailing international gold lease rates.

“Gold has always carried cultural and economic importance in this region,” said Ahmed Mourad, Chief Operating Officer at Astra Tech | Botim. “With this launch, we are making fractional gold investment simple, secure, and accessible for millions of people in the UAE, helping them build wealth with confidence.”

Since its introduction earlier this year, O Gold has attracted more than 100,000 users, reflecting growing demand for flexible and Shariah-compliant investment opportunities. The company recently received certification from the Center of Islamic Banking and Economics (CIBE), reinforcing its commitment to ethical financial practices.

“As a UAE-founded company, our mission is to simplify precious metal ownership for everyone,” said Bandar Alothman, founder of O Gold. “By joining forces with Botim and leveraging its integrated payment system, we are opening the door for millions to begin their gold investment journey with just a few taps.”

The UAE’s position in the global gold trade continues to grow. TradeImeX reported that the country recorded $53.41 billion in gold exports in 2024–2026, strengthening its role as a leading hub for the precious metals industry. The introduction of fractional gold ownership through Botim further reinforces this status, bringing secure and inclusive investment options to a wider audience.

The new gold investment feature is now available under the Botim Invest section of the application, giving UAE residents instant access to one of the world’s most trusted assets at their fingertips.