Latest news with #AkshayaTrithiya
Gulf News
01-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
Dubai gold price drops to lowest in 2 weeks - but many UAE shoppers have already done their buying
Dubai: The Dubai Gold Rate has slipped further to Dh362.5 a gram for 22K – the lowest in more than 15 days. The fairly sizable drop did not come in time for many shoppers in the UAE, who were out buying gold yesterday to make 'Akshaya Trithiya', the Indian festival where adding to one's gold holdings is a key part of the tradition. Even then, UAE's shoppers – residents and tourists – were not deterred that they had to pay for gold at Dh366-Dh369 a gram yesterday. The Dubai Gold Souq and jewellery stores elsewhere in the UAE had a heavy rush of buyers, starting from around 12pm and which continued right through closing time. It was as if shoppers were only intent on meeting the tradition of buying on Akshaya Trithiya whatever be the prevailing price. "They were picking up everything - gold coins, bars and jewellery," said Abdul Salam K. P., Vice-Chairman of Malabar Gold & Diamonds. This was indeed the best one-day sales the UAE jewellery trade has had since the start of 2025." Clearly, there was a lot of pent up demand on display, because most shoppers had been staying away from jewellery stores as prices kept on pushing higher and reaching the highest point of Dh388 last week. 'Contrary to historical trends, the INR might appreciate. Key thesis here is that the US will prefer a weaker dollar and a lower interest rate regime as large amounts of US debt will be maturing and coming up for renewal. 'Also, India's macro-factors like inflation, government finances, GDP growth and political stability should aid in INR stability. Only joker in the pack are crude oil prices, which according to me will be range-bound with a downward bias' - Prasanna Pathak, Managing Partner, The Wealth Company A little price drop helps By afternoon yesterday, the local gold rate had slipped to Dh366 levels, and which was another catalyst in the shopper surge seen in the afternoon. 'Tradition wins' is how another retailer characterized the heavy buying demand seen yesterday. "It would not surprise me if we had the same rush even if the Dubai gold rate was Dh375 or Dh385," he added. Many shoppers, especially first-time buyers, were also using the day to start their monthly instalment schemes with jewellery retailers. This way, they make a commitment to pay a fixed amount each month and for them to pick up gold at the end of 12 months. (In many cases, the jewellers put up a sum equal to what the individual is paying in a month as an incentive.) "There were younger shoppers who were getting into gold investments through the monthly instalment program," said Salam. "Their idea is to time their next big gold purchase in 12 months - and closer to Akshaya Trithiya 2026."
Gulf News
30-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
Dubai gold price is steady - and that's perfect for shoppers on 'Akshaya Trithiya'
Dubai: The Dubai Gold Rate is unchanged for a second consecutive day at Dh369 for a gram of 22K and sets up what will be one of the busiest sales day for gold shopping in the UAE in 2025. This is also the lowest gold rate since April 23, when it was Dh368. So, the stage is set for the Indian festival of 'Akshaya Trithiya', where gold buying is one of the traditions that need to be done. And a lot of expat Indians in the UAE have already done their part. 'Yes, there had been some fairly heavy pre-bookings from the moment Dubai gold rate dropped below Dh370 a gram,' said Abdul Salam K.P., Vice-Chairman of Malabar Gold & Diamonds, which is offering 150mg gold coins for each purchase of Dh3,000. 'What we are seeing is that because of the higher gold prices, most of the buying has shifted to lighter weight gold pieces, typically between 10-15 grams. But the most important thing is they are still buying despite the prices. 'The more budget-conscious shoppers are directly going for gold coins and bars, where the making charges are minimal." The feedback from gold retailers is that by close of business today, they will have had more shoppers in the stores, but the actual volume of gold sold might still be lower. But retailers will take it any which way it turns out. 'Huge relief' As for shoppers, the sentiment is one of relief. A good number of Indian expats buy for 'Akshaya Trithiya' because that's the done thing to do. "We would have bought whatever the price, but there's relief because today, we will need to pay only at Dh369 a gram rather than the Dh380 plus of April 21," said a shopper who is all set to head out to a store as soon as it opens.
Indian Express
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Digha Jagannath temple to open today, CM Mamata Banerjee says: ‘All our guests'
ARRANGEMENTS WERE made for the 'Maha Yajna' on Tuesday evening at the newly built Jagannath temple in the seaside tourist town of Digha in Purba Medinipur, and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took part in the rituals a day before its inauguration. Banerjee emphasised that 'everyone is our guest.' The Jagannath temple, a replica of the 12th-century shrine in Puri, Odisha, will be inaugurated on Wednesday on the auspicious occasion of 'Akshaya Trithiya'. Digha is around 350 km from Puri. The massive event, drawing parallels to the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya last year, has been interpreted by some as a significant effort by Chief Minister Banerjee to solidify her image as a leader who embraces all communities, addressing previous allegations of minority appeasement. Digha has got a makeover as it turned into the host of a grand religious event. Roads have been closed to vehicular traffic and replaced by meticulously laid blue carpets. Giant screens, posters and creative depictions of Lord Jagannath adorned almost every corner of the town on Tuesday. The air resonated with chants of 'Jai Jagannath' played on loudspeakers and the streets were illuminated by dazzling lights and embellished with flower decorations. Shelters and drinking water arrangements catered to the large number of people — including VIPs, dignitaries and local residents — who thronged the area. On Tuesday afternoon, Banerjee participated in a Mahayagna at the temple. She performed the aarti and the Purnahuti ceremony commenced at 4:15 pm. The CM was accompanied by Rajesh Dwaitapati, a Puri Jagannath temple serviceman, and Radharman Das, vice president of ISKCON, Bengal. Following the Purnahuti, the CM addressed the crowd, emphasizing inclusivity and spiritual connection. 'People of all religions and castes have come here. Everyone is our guest. Religion is never preached verbally. Religion is something that touches the heart…I am praying for everyone,' she said.
Gulf News
28-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf News
Dubai gold price drops - again - ahead of April 30's 'Akshaya Trithiya'
Dubai: The Dubai gold rate is dropping – and it couldn't be happening in a better week for shoppers out there. A gram of 22K is at Dh367 (and Dh396.25 for 24K) and showing signs that there could be more price dips in the next 24-48 hours. These are the lowest levels in the last 7 days, and there remains a good chance that the Dubai gold price could end up around Dh360. Will these be enough to turbo-charge a clear spike on April 30 and the Indian gold buying festival of 'Akshaya Trithiya'? Based on trends, gold retailers say that UAE resident-shoppers are back in the game. 'There have been early bookings to ensure price lock-ins ahead of the actual April 30 purchase,' said a jeweler. 'That's been clear during the last weekend, and there is hope of the price lowering further.' How has Dubai gold price fared? It's only in comparison over the last 7 days that the current Dubai gold rate is more buyer-friendly. The lowest since March 30 has been Dh331.5 for 22K (Dh356.25 for 24K) on April 7. 'But a lot has changed in April itself, first with the US announcement of tariffs, then the dollar weakening after some of President Trump's remarks, and other factors,' said a commodities analyst. (In between Dubai gold rate had even soared to Dh388 for 22K and over Dh400 for the 24K kind.) 'So, today's current price of Dh367 is still a good level for an investment.' Lower making charges – and gold coins Shoppers are checking out all the promotions that are there, whether it's retailers slashing making charges and offering gold coins on a minimum purchase. "Retailers are rushing out with up to 50% cuts in making charges, or even removing it altogether on some gold coin purchases," said a jeweller. "If shoppers are assured that they are getting more dirham savings on making charges, then the actual price of a buy looks even more reasonable." Bullion trades In the global metals market, bullion is trading is at $3,280 an ounce, well down on the $3,318 it closed at on Friday last. Another $30-$50 an ounce drop puts the ball in shoppers' favour- they haven't had a favourable run for weeks now.
Gulf Insider
28-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Dubai Gold Price Drops Ahead of April 30's Akshaya Trithiya
The Dubai gold rate is dropping – and it couldn't be happening in a better week for shoppers out there. A gram of 22K is at Dh367 (and Dh396.25 for 24K) and showing signs that there could be more price dips in the next 24-48 hours. These are the lowest levels in the last 7 days, and there remains a good chance that the Dubai gold price could end up around Dh360. Will these be enough to turbo-charge a clear spike on April 30 and the Indian gold buying festival of 'Akshaya Trithiya'? Based on trends, gold retailers say that UAE resident-shoppers are back in the game. 'There have been early bookings to ensure price lock-ins ahead of the actual April 30 purchase,' said a jeweler. 'That's been clear during the last weekend, and there is hope of the price lowering further.' It's only in comparison over the last 7 days that the current Dubai gold rate is more buyer-friendly. The lowest since March 30 has been Dh331.5 for 22K (Dh356.25 for 24K) on April 7. 'But a lot has changed in April itself, first with the US announcement of tariffs, then the dollar weakening after some of President Trump's remarks, and other factors,' said a commodities analyst. (In between Dubai gold rate had even soared to Dh388 for 22K and over Dh400 for the 24K kind.) 'So, today's current price of Dh367 is still a good level for an investment.' Shoppers are checking out all the promotions that are there, whether it's retailers slashing making charges and offering gold coins on a minimum purchase. 'Retailers are rushing out with up to 50% cuts in making charges, or even removing it altogether on some gold coin purchases,' said a jeweller. 'If shoppers are assured that they are getting more dirham savings on making charges, then the actual price of a buy looks even more reasonable.' In the global metals market, bullion is trading is at $3,280 an ounce, well down on the $3,318 it closed at on Friday last. Another $30-$50 an ounce drop puts the ball in shoppers' favour- they haven't had a favourable run for weeks now. Also read: Dubai Number Plate Fetches $2.27mn at Weekend Auction
