Consumer gold purchases in Arab markets down by 16 to 20% in Q2 2025

Consumer gold purchases in several Arab markets saw a noticeable decline in the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, with gold demand falling by 16% and 20% in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, respectively, according to data from the World Gold Council cited by Al Arabiya. In the UAE and Kuwait, gold purchases dropped by 5% and 2%, respectively. Total consumer gold demand across the four countries reached 42.6 metric tons in Q2 2025, down from 49 tons during Q2 2024 and 45 tons in Q1 2025, signaling a broader regional slowdown. Demand for gold bars in Egypt rose to 5.9 tons from 4.7 tons in Q1 2025, though still below the 7.6 tons recorded in Q2 2024. 

The improvement suggests a partial recovery in investor appetite for direct gold holdings. Meanwhile, demand for gold jewelry in Egypt fell to 5.7 tons in Q2 2025, down from 6.8 tons a year earlier and 6.4 tons in Q1 2025, indicating weaker interest in gold for ornamental use.