KUWAIT: As Eid approaches, it’s easy to notice how different gold markets draw in people with different nationalities. According to local jewelers, one key factor drives these preferences: karat – the measure of gold’s purity mixed with other metals. The availability of certain karats across shops not only impacts price, but also influences the jewelry’s color, strength and the styles favored by each community.

“Each country tends to have its own distinct preference for gold karat,” said Ahmad Gad, a jeweler at Al-Mubarakiya Gold Souq, one of the most popular markets among diverse nationalities in Kuwait.

He broke down the three most common karats in Kuwait and who typically prefers each: “Indians usually go for the rich yellow of 22K gold. Arabs lean toward 21K for its shine. As for 18K, which has a softer glow, it’s often chosen by people who like European styles — Filipinos, for example.”

Ahmad Gad, a jeweler in Kuwait.

A vendor shows a gold necklace to a customer at the gold exhibition.

The Indian favorite

Indian buyers are especially drawn to 22K gold, valuing both its high purity and cultural significance. “For Indians, what matters most is purity. If it were practical, they’d choose 24K – but it’s too soft for jewelry,” said Ayoub, an Indian gold salesman who has worked in Kuwait for seven years.

Pure 24-karat gold, considered 100 percent gold, is typically reserved for bars and coins, as its softness makes it unsuitable for wearable, intricately designed jewelry. To increase durability, gold is alloyed with other metals, resulting in lower karats: 22K gold contains 91.7 percent pure gold, and is ideal for the ornate, heavily detailed pieces typical in Indian culture.

“Our classic Indian pieces can only be made with 22K,” said Naresh Kumar, a jeweler at Souq Al Wataniya in Kuwait City, which mainly serves Indian and Bengali customers. “It’s also the standard karat in India, so it’s easier to resell there.” Gad added, “Every community prefers gold that can be resold easily in their home country.”

Smart investment

Despite its cultural significance, 22K gold is less commonly stocked in Kuwait compared to 21K. You’ll find 21K gold widely available in popular markets like Al-Mubarakiya, Hawally, Salmiya and Farwaniya. According to jewelers, 21K is the most sought-after karat among Arabs. With 87.5% purity, it offers a sweet spot between visual beauty and long-term value. “21K is ideal for those who want a beautiful ornament that also holds its value,” said Gad. “It has a higher resale price compared to lower karats, especially if it’s locally made Kuwaiti gold, free of decorative cloves.”

Kuwait is known for its high-quality 21K gold, thanks in part to strong trade ties with the UAE, home to some of the Gulf’s most skilled goldsmiths. This partnership enables Kuwait to import a wide variety of 21K designs in large quantities.

Elegant, but less valuable

By contrast, 18K gold is found in smaller quantities across Kuwait, mostly in the Salmiya Gold Souq, which caters largely to Filipino buyers. While 18K contains 75 percent pure gold and is often used for dainty, European-style pieces, jewelers say it carries the highest making charges and offers weaker resale value, making it less appealing to investment-focused shoppers.

“The lower the gold’s karat, the harder it is to mold,” explained Kumar. “Working with low karats like 18K takes more time and precision, which increases labor costs.” That added labor is reflected in the making charge — a markup applied to the price of gold per gram for craftsmanship, which doesn’t contribute to the resale value.

Still, 18K remains the go-to for many Filipino shoppers and others who prioritize aesthetics over return value. “I prefer 18K because it’s simpler and more elegant,” said Rachel, a Filipino customer. “The higher-karat designs are too loud – too madame. Unlike 18K pieces which I can easily stack and wear daily without feeling it’s too much.

For many, gold is more than a fashion statement – it’s financial security. “Gold is the most affordable investment for me right now. Instead of wasting money, I buy gold. It’s like my money is still there, just preserved in a different form,” said Nada Dawod, an Egyptian gold enthusiast.

“When I was younger, I loved 18K gold,” she said. “But once I started buying gold with my own money, I switched to 21K. It has better resale value and comes with a lower making charge. Even if I like a design in 18K, I try to find a similar one in 21K.”

KUWAIT: The Kuwait Army carried out a joint field exercise in cooperation with the Kuwait Fire Force (KFF) at Abdullah Al-Mubarak Air Base, aiming to enhance readiness and strengthen field coordination among participating entities.

In a press statement, the Army’s General Staff said on Wednesday that the drill aimed to unify operational concepts in handling emergency situations according to the highest safety and response standards.

The exercise comes as part of implementing the cooperation protocol signed between the Kuwait Army and KFF, which aims to establish the foundations of joint work and unify efforts under a single national framework in line with the state’s vision to promote integration between military and civilian entities.

The statement explained that the exercise included the execution of several virtual scenarios and simulated reports to mimic various types of emergencies. This provided an opportunity to test response speed, evaluate the effectiveness of operational procedures, and assess how well the roles of the participating teams were aligned.

The drill involved several units from military authorities, ministries, and state institutions, including the the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Interior, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, as part of ongoing joint coordination and efforts to bolster comprehensive emergency preparedness. — KUNA

MAKKAH: The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and Head of the Kuwaiti hajj Mission Dr Bader Al-Mutairi, announced on Tuesday that all Kuwaiti pilgrims—estimated at approximately 8,000—have arrived in Saudi Arabia as part of 60 organized hajj convoys. The announcement comes as preparations intensify for the start of the annual pilgrimage.

In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Dr Al-Mutairi said that mission teams from various participating entities are operating at full capacity and are providing services around the clock at the holy sites to ensure the comfort and safety of Kuwaiti pilgrims.

He added that preparations at the key pilgrimage sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah have been completed in advance, underscoring the mission’s goal of facilitating a safe and organized environment for pilgrims to carry out their religious duties.

Dr Al-Mutairi urged all Kuwaiti pilgrims to adhere to official guidelines issued by the Saudi authorities and to cooperate with the supervisory and service teams accompanying the Kuwaiti hajj mission.

The mission includes several government and NGOs tasked with supporting pilgrims. These include the Ministries of Islamic Affairs, Foreign Affairs, Interior, Information, and Health, along with the General Fire Force, the Public Authority for Food and Nutrition, the Public Authority for Youth, and the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS).

In a related development, KRCS Secretary-General Fahad Al-Mandeel confirmed the organization’s participation in this year’s hajj mission. KRCS volunteers will provide humanitarian aid, first aid services, and logistical support to pilgrims.

Al-Mandeel told KUNA that both male and female volunteers from the society will take part in the mission as part of KRCS’s ongoing humanitarian role in serving pilgrims. He highlighted the society’s continued collaboration with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs and other official bodies.

He also commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its extensive efforts in organizing the hajj season, noting the early preparations, high-quality services, and coordination with international hajj missions, including Kuwait’s.

According to Al-Mandeel, the KRCS delegation will deliver field medical services in coordination with Kuwaiti medical teams, assist elderly and ill pilgrims, and distribute necessary medical and informational materials. This is part of a broader, pre-planned program aimed at supporting pilgrims throughout the season.

He praised the dedication of KRCS volunteers, describing their participation as both a national and humanitarian responsibility. Al-Mandeel concluded by thanking all cooperating entities and expressing hope for a safe and spiritually fulfilling hajj for all pilgrims. — KUNA