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Demand for Gold Increases in Saudi Arabia

Increased demand for pure gold in Saudi Arabia (AFP)
Increased demand for pure gold in Saudi Arabia (AFP)
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Demand for Gold Increases in Saudi Arabia

Increased demand for pure gold in Saudi Arabia (AFP)
Increased demand for pure gold in Saudi Arabia (AFP)

The Saudi gold market is witnessing a stable supply amid increased demand, high market availability, and gold prices moving in unstable ranges due to the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Gold prices in Saudi Arabia returned to their levels three years ago, positively affecting the demand for purchase, especially on pure gold coins and bars, followed by refined gold pieces.

General Director of the Azzouz House for Gold and Jewelry, Mohammed Jamil Hashem Azzouz, told Asharq Al-Awsat that Saudi Arabia was one of the most stable countries during this war.

Azzouz indicated that the national economy proved its ability to face any repercussions and effects resulting from the Ukrainian crisis on the prices of commodities and minerals.

At the beginning of the Russian-Ukrainian war, gold witnessed noticeable declines due to fear and panic, but demand rose slightly, said Azzouz, adding that global prices continued to fluctuate.

In light of the increased demand in Saudi Arabia, Azzouz indicated that the demand percentage for yellow gold of high quality reached 70 percent, pointing out that the northern region is at the forefront in buying for "saving purposes," unlike the rest of the areas that buy gold for "adornment."

The price of a gram of 24 karat gold decreased to SR196.51, compared to SR197.01, while the cost of the most traded 21 karats reached SR171.95, and the gram of 18 karat gold fell to SR147.39 riyals from SR147.76.

The economic price of 14-karat gold reached about SR114.63, compared to SR114.92 on Tuesday, while the cost of 12-karat gold fell to about SR98.26, compared to SR98.51. The price of an ounce of gold was about SR6,112, while the price of a pound of gold of 21 carats amounted to about SR1,376.

Despite the recent fluctuations that swept the world due to the coronavirus pandemic and the Russian-Ukrainian war, Azzouz confirms that demand for gold is still much more potent than jewelry, especially after the concept of saving prevailed in the society.

He explained that gold is essential in times of need and fluctuations, placing the 24-carat coins and pieces at the top of demand in terms of market and savings, especially since any added tax does not cover it.

Azzouz noted that in second place comes golden items such as bracelets and bangles," which are pure without additives and do not carry an enormous manufacturing cost.

According to the Saudi financial system, the official explained that pure gold is not subject to taxes after the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority exempted imported gold from value-added tax.

Gold is subject to tax at a rate of "zero" if its purity level is 99 percent and is tradable in the global market, while gold with a purity level of less than that is subject to a value-added tax of 15 percent, according to Azzouz.

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Business

Non-Oil Activities Account for Half of Saudi Economic Growth Momentum

Photo of the Saudi capital (SPA) 
Photo of the Saudi capital (SPA) 
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Non-Oil Activities Account for Half of Saudi Economic Growth Momentum

Photo of the Saudi capital (SPA) 
Photo of the Saudi capital (SPA) 

The Saudi economy posted real growth of 4.8% in the third quarter of 2025 compared with the same period of the previous year, reflecting the Kingdom’s sustained economic momentum. Non-oil activities were the primary engine of expansion, while seasonally adjusted real GDP rose 1.4% from the second quarter of 2025.

According to the final data released by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), the annual growth figure came in slightly below the flash estimate published last October, which had projected a 5% increase. Even so, it remains the strongest quarterly performance recorded in 2025.

Non-oil activities delivered the largest contribution to overall annual growth, adding 2.4 percentage points, or 50% of the total 4.8% expansion. This outpaced the contribution from oil activities, which added 2.0 percentage points. The Authority revised its estimate for non-oil growth downward to 4.3% (from 4.5% in the flash estimate), while slightly raising its estimate for oil-sector growth to 8.3% (from 8.2%) for the previous quarter.

This improvement coincided with the gradual ramp-up in oil production following the expiration of voluntary cuts by the OPEC+ alliance at the end of August. Saudi Arabia increased its output by approximately 547,000 barrels per day starting in September, followed by an additional 137,000 barrels per day from November onward.

Both government activities and net taxes on products made modest positive contributions of 0.2 percentage points each.

On a quarterly, seasonally adjusted basis, oil and non-oil activities contributed 0.8 and 0.3 percentage points, respectively.

All economic sectors recorded positive annual growth. Oil refining emerged as the fastest-growing activity in the third quarter, rising 11.9% year-on-year and 3.9% quarter-on-quarter. It was followed by crude oil and natural gas activities, which grew 7.3% annually and 3.2% quarterly. Electricity, gas, and water services also posted gains of 6.4% year-on-year and 1.0% quarter-on-quarter.

From the expenditure perspective, performance varied between annual and quarterly comparisons. Final private consumption increased 2.6% year-on-year, but slipped 0.6% from the previous quarter. Conversely, final government consumption declined 3.1% annually, while increasing 1.4% quarter-on-quarter.

Gross fixed capital formation fell 0.7% year-on-year, but rebounded strongly on a quarterly basis with a 6.2% increase, indicating a pickup in investment spending during the third quarter.

Regarding foreign trade, the overall performance was buoyed by a significant surge in exports, which climbed 18.4% year-on-year and 7.5% quarter-on-quarter, reflecting strong external demand for Saudi products. Imports rose 4.3% annually, but edged down 1.2% on a quarterly basis.

 

 

Business

New Law Exempts Saudi Industrial Imports in GCC States from Customs Duties  

An employee is seen at a factory in Saudi Arabia. (Vision 2030)
An employee is seen at a factory in Saudi Arabia. (Vision 2030)
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New Law Exempts Saudi Industrial Imports in GCC States from Customs Duties  

An employee is seen at a factory in Saudi Arabia. (Vision 2030)
An employee is seen at a factory in Saudi Arabia. (Vision 2030)

Saudi Arabia’s recent approval of the Unified Industrial Regulation Law for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will grant all industrial projects operating within GCC member states exemptions from customs duties on imports needed for industrial production, Asharq Al-Awsat has learned.

The exemptions will follow the unified rules governing tax-free industrial inputs agreed upon by member countries.

According to a copy of the law obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat, the competent authority in each state may offer industrial establishments a range of incentives and benefits in line with national regulations, provided they do not conflict with the GCC’s commitments to the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The law aims to regulate the industrial sector, strengthen industrial development, encourage investment, and increase the sector’s contribution to national income. It also seeks to deepen industrial linkages and economic integration among GCC countries, align industrial policies, and support national development programs.

The legislation is designed to boost cooperation and coordination among GCC states in industrial affairs, stimulate innovation, and promote the adoption and localization of advanced technologies to improve competitiveness. It reinforces policies supporting qualified national workforces in accordance with each country’s regulations.

The law encourages the digital transformation of industrial projects, the modernization of production technologies, and the adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution tools, including advanced environmental and knowledge-based systems.

It further emphasizes compliance with safety, health, and environmental standards, the use of energy-efficient machinery, and adherence to public order and established norms across GCC states.

The law permits competent authorities to participate in industrial projects or industrial cities through capital contributions or in-kind stakes, provided such participation aligns with local legislation.

The Saudi Cabinet’s adoption of the law follows its endorsement by the GCC Supreme Council during its 43rd summit in Riyadh in 2022.

In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources will act as the competent authority. The Cabinet will set the minimum and maximum administrative and aggregate fines based on ministry recommendations.

The Minister will also appoint officials with judicial enforcement powers and issue the decision approving the law’s executive regulations.

Business

Oil Edges Down with Ukraine Peace Talks, US Rate Decision in Spotlight

FILE PHOTO: A general view shows the West Qurna-2 oilfield in southern Basra, Iraq, April 17, 2017. REUTERS/Essam Al-Sudani/File Photo/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A general view shows the West Qurna-2 oilfield in southern Basra, Iraq, April 17, 2017. REUTERS/Essam Al-Sudani/File Photo/File Photo
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Oil Edges Down with Ukraine Peace Talks, US Rate Decision in Spotlight

FILE PHOTO: A general view shows the West Qurna-2 oilfield in southern Basra, Iraq, April 17, 2017. REUTERS/Essam Al-Sudani/File Photo/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A general view shows the West Qurna-2 oilfield in southern Basra, Iraq, April 17, 2017. REUTERS/Essam Al-Sudani/File Photo/File Photo

Oil prices edged down on Tuesday, extending losses from the 2% drop in the previous session, with markets keeping a close eye on peace talks to end Russia's war in Ukraine and a looming decision on US interest rates.

Brent crude futures were down 8 cents, or 0.1%, to $62.41 a barrel at 0409 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude was at $58.75, down 13 cents, or 0.2%.

Both contracts fell by more than $1 a barrel on Monday after Iraq restored production at Lukoil's West Qurna 2 oilfield, one of the world's largest, said Reuters.

"Brent's slip back toward the $62 (is) aligning seamlessly with the broader December narrative," said Phillip Nova's senior market analyst Priyanka Sachdeva. "The noise around potential Iraqi disruptions faded overnight, and the market quickly reverted to its core theme of ample supply and cautious demand expectations."

Ukraine will share a revised peace plan with the US after talks in London between its President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and the leaders of France, Germany and Britain.

"Oil is keeping to a tight trading range until we get a better idea of which way the peace talks will go," KCM Trade chief market analyst Tim Waterer said.

"If the talks break down, we expect oil to move higher, or if progress is made, and there is a likelihood of Russian supply to the global energy market resuming, prices would be expected to drop," he added.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the Group of Seven countries and the European Union are in talks to replace a price cap on Russian oil exports with a full maritime services ban in a bid to reduce Russia's oil revenue.

Also on the radar is the Federal Reserve's policy decision due on Wednesday, with markets pricing in an 87% probability of a quarter-point rate reduction.

Lower interest rates typically are a positive driver for oil demand given the decrease in borrowing costs, though some analysts were cautious about how much impact this could have on oil prices for now.

"Although markets are largely invested in upcoming FED policy decision on Wednesday for a possible 25bp cut, something that could lend short-term support at the lower end of the $60–65 band, the broader price structure remains anchored by expectations of an oversupplied 2026 (oil market)," said Phillip Nova's Sachdeva.