Gold prices in Saudi Arabia remained stable on Sunday, January 18, 2026, across all jewelry stores and financial markets, coinciding with the weekend closure of global metals exchanges. This price stability allows consumers and those planning weddings to assess the market before global trading resumes on Monday, with the precious metal holding steady at the levels it reached at the close of trading last week.
Details of today's gold prices in Saudi Arabia
Below is a detailed list of gold prices per gram for different carats traded in the Saudi market today:
- The price of a gram of 24-karat gold was 554 Saudi Riyals. This karat is the purest and is commonly used in the production of gold bullion for investment and savings due to its near-complete absence of impurities and copper.
- The price of a gram of 22-karat gold: settled at 508 riyals.
- The price of a gram of 21-karat gold reached 484.75 riyals. This karat is the most popular and widely sold in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries, combining investment value with an aesthetic appeal suitable for gold jewelry and ornaments.
- The price of a gram of 18-karat gold: recorded 415.5 riyals, which is the preferred karat for jewelry containing gemstones and precious stones due to its relative hardness.
- The price of a gram of 14-karat gold reached 323.25 riyals.
- The price of a gram of 12-karat gold: settled at 277 riyals.
Prices of gold bars and gold sovereigns
In terms of larger investments, an ounce of gold in Saudi Arabia today recorded a price of 17,233.25 riyals, while a gold pound (which usually weighs 8 grams of 21-karat gold) recorded a price of 3,878.5 riyals.
The economic context and the importance of gold in the Saudi market
Gold price movements in Saudi Arabia are of particular importance given that the Saudi market is one of the largest gold and jewelry markets in the Middle East. The local price is closely linked to the global price per ounce in US dollars, as well as to local supply and demand factors.
Historically, gold in Saudi and Gulf culture is considered more than just an adornment; it is a store of value and a safe haven to which citizens and residents turn to preserve their savings, especially during times of economic volatility or geopolitical tensions that could affect paper currencies. Prices typically remain calm on Sundays due to the closure of trading on the New York and London stock exchanges, keeping local prices stable at the last closing price, which explains the stability we are witnessing today.
Economic experts always advise monitoring the market carefully, as investing in gold (especially 24-karat bullion and coins) is a long-term investment, while buying jewelry (21 and 18 karat) is subject to manufacturing costs that vary from one trader to another.
