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Style or security? How culture shapes gold buying habits in Kuwait

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Every community has its go-to gold, affected by tradition, resale value, aesthetics

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.”

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.”

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Deputy PM, Armenian envoy discuss security cooperation

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KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah met on Monday with Armenian Ambassador to Kuwait Dr Arsen Arakelian to discuss issues of mutual interest and explore ways to boost bilateral security cooperation and efforts to combat crime. In a statement issued by the General Department of Public Relations and Security Media, the ministry said the meeting, held at the Ministry of Interior headquarters, reflects Kuwait’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation in the field of security.

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Sheikh Fahad praised the strong ties between Kuwait and Armenia, affirming Kuwait’s eagerness to deepen bilateral collaboration, particularly in areas related to law enforcement and public safety. Ambassador Arakelian expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and reiterated Armenia’s interest in enhancing cooperation with Kuwait across various sectors. Both sides emphasized the importance of continuing coordination to further solidify the longstanding relations between the two friendly nations and advance shared interests. — KUNA

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China, Kuwait discuss expanding defense ties

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KUWAIT: Deputy Chief of Staff of the Kuwaiti Army, Air Vice Marshal Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah held talks on Sunday with the Defense Attache of the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait to boost bilateral defense ties and military cooperation. The is meeting aimed at reinforcing regional stability, exchanging expertise as well as supporting the development of sustainable defense industries aligned with both countries’ national interests. In the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their firm belief in the role of defense diplomacy for building long-term strategic partnerships that contribute to regional security, stability, and a future based on cooperation and peace. — KUNA

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Kuwait targets financial crimes | Kuwait Times Newspaper

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MoI and customs, CMA and FIU sign MoUs to combat money laundering, terror financing

KUWAIT: The interior ministry’s department for combating money laundering and terrorism funding and the customs department on Sunday signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in fighting financial crimes, the customs department said. The accord aims to strengthen mutual cooperation and the exchange of information in accordance with international standards set by the UN Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The customs department said in a statement that the MoU comes within the framework of boosting collaboration between state establishments in fighting money laundering and terrorism financing. It also aims at intensifying regulatory procedures to support the national system in reducing financial crimes and boost Kuwait’s commitment to relevant international standards, the statement added.

Separately, the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) also signed an MoU on Sunday with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) regarding cooperation and exchange of information in the field of combating money laundering, related predicate offenses and terrorism financing. The agreement aims to establish a framework for collaboration and coordination between the two entities in this domain.

In a press release, the CMA stated that the MoU covers several aspects, including the scope of information that the FIU may provide to the CMA and vice versa. It also outlines the mechanism for exchanging information between the two parties and defines the scope of use for the shared information, ensuring full adherence to confidentiality standards.

The memorandum also specifies areas of cooperation, which include holding regular meetings to strengthen joint efforts, coordinating preventive and control measures, exchanging information and expertise, preparing training programs and development plans for personnel of both entities and participating in each other’s training sessions related to

Last month, the Kuwaiti government issued a new law that enhances the country’s legal framework in combating money laundering and terrorism financing. The legislation made two key amendments to a 2013 law on fighting money laundering and financing of terrorism to allow the Cabinet to issue decisions to implement resolutions passed by the UN Security Council regarding financing terrorism and freezing assets, and to impose hefty fines on violators.

In a June 3 report, FATF said Kuwait has solid legislation to impose financial penalties against terrorist financing and the spread of weapons of mass destruction. However, gaps in the legal system make it hard to freeze assets of these activities effectively, FATF said.

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