Rising gold prices threaten some factories with closure

August 12, 2013

Rising_gold_pricesJeddah, Aug 12: The rising prices of gold during the past two weeks caused stagnation in the Saudi market, and pushed gold merchants to activate sales because factories didn’t halt their production, according to the National Committee for Precious Metals.

The price of the precious metal has registered the second weekly decline, while the dollar has recovered from its lowest value since seven weeks ago.

Speculation about the US Federal Reserve to reduce the bonds purchase program with a value of $85 billion a month was triggered by the low price of gold, which reached its lowest levels this week.

“Gold merchants didn’t lose because of the declining world prices, because most of them deal with gold as physical balance, and most merchants have sufficient gold accounts,” said Ahmad Al-Sharif, member of the National Committee for Precious Metals.

Gold prices declined by 0.2 percent, to $1,308 per ounce, and the market is about to close at 0.25 percent. Delayed US gold contracts, which will be delivered in December declined by $2, to $1,307.90 per ounce.

Silver prices stabilized at $20.19 per ounce, while platinum gained 0.1 percent to $1,488 per ounce. Palladium rose 0.1 percent to $736.97 per ounce.

Meanwhile, the National Committee for Precious Metals is attempting to ferret out illegal gold sellers, which had controlled as much as one-quarter of the gold market.

“Workshops have been organized, which held unknown names in the gold trade, or operated from places that didn’t have defined headquarters contained products with ambiguous origins were combated,” said Al-Sharif. “We are working on a mechanism to combat violating workshops, and educate consumers and merchants who deal with such workshops. We advise merchants, and gold market clients to buy gold from approved individuals.”

He pointed to the existence of “workshops alien to the market” that had a large share before prices rose, which control 25 percent of the market.

“After the rising prices a large number of these workshops sold their stocks and changed their activities because they were illegal dealers,” he said. “After strict controls and the correction of labor status these violating workshops will be eliminated, because most of them are illegal workers who practice their business in un licensed areas.”

“At the present time, and because of the strict control of the Passport Department and the Ministry of Labor, these workshops have 10 percent of the market share,” he said.

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Agencies
May 26,2020

Riyadh, May 26: The authorities in Saudi Arabia have decided to ease some restrictions put in place over coronavirus fears, allowing movement and resumption of some economic and commercial activities, Saudi Press Agency reported early Tuesday citing an official source at the Interior Ministry.

The move also allows restarting of domestic flights, opening of mosques, restaurants and cafes and work attendance, however, the temporary suspension of Umrah pilgrimage remains in force.

The easing of restrictions will be carried out in a phased manner, with the first phase beginning on Thursday (May 28) and ending on May 30.

In the first phase, the movement within and between all regions of the Kingdom in private cars will be allowed from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. except in Makkah. Economic and commercial activities will resume in retail and wholesale shops and malls but beauty salons, barber shops, sports clubs, health clubs, entertainment centers and cinemas will continue to remain shut due to social distancing concerns.

In the second phase, which begins on May 31 and ends on June 20, the movement is allowed from 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. in all areas of the Kingdom, except in Makkah. All congregational prayers, including Friday prayers, will resume in all mosques across the Kingdom except in Makkah.

The suspension of workplace attendance will end, allowing all employees in ministries, government entities and private sector companies to return to working from their offices provided that they follow strict precautionary guidelines.

The suspension on travel between regions in the Kingdom using various transport methods will no longer be in place. Airlines will be allowed to operate domestic flights if they adhere to precautionary measures set by the civil aviation authority and the Ministry of Health. The suspension of international flights, will, however, continue until further notice.

Restaurants and cafes serving food and beverages can reopen, however, beauty salons, barber shops, sports clubs, health clubs, entertainment centers and cinemas will be barred from reopening in the second phase. The ban on social gatherings of more than fifty people, such as weddings and funerals will also continue to remain in force.

In the third phase commencing on June 21, the Kingdom will return to "normal" conditions as it was before the coronavirus lockdown measures were implemented.

Meanwhile in Makkah, the first phase measures will be implemented between May 31 to June 20 and the second phase will begin on May 21. Friday prayers and all congregational prayers will continue to be held in the Grand Mosque, only to be attended by Imams and the employees.

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Mohammed Sarfraz
 - 
Tuesday, 26 May 2020

I think second phase is May 31 to June 20. Must be a typo. 

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Saudi Gazette
June 2,2020

Abu Dhabi, Jun 2: The United Arab Emirates on Monday recorded 635 new coronavirus cases, taking the total number of infections in the country to 35,192, the UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention said in a statement carried by state news agency WAM.

The new cases were detected after the health authorities conducted 30,147 additional COVID-19 tests citizens and residents.

The ministry also announced that 406 more patients have fully recovered after receiving the necessary medical care, raising the total number of recoveries in the country to 18,338.

The announcement was made during the regular media briefing held in Abu Dhabi, wherein Dr. Amna Al Dahak Al Shamsi, official spokesperson for the UAE government, provided an update on coronavirus-related developments and measures taken to mitigate its impact.

During the briefing, Dr. Al Shamsi also announced the death of two patients from COVID-19, taking the total number of deaths in the country to 266.

"The number of COVID-19 cases still receiving treatment now stands at 16,588 from different nationalities," she added, noting that more than 650,000 COVID-19 tests have been conducted over the past two weeks.

"Since the onset of the crisis, the UAE has focused on select segments of society, primarily the elderly and patients with chronic diseases, in order to ensure they survive the crisis," she added.

"We believe it is particularly morally important to support and stand by them, provide them with their daily needs, and keep them from harm’s way," she added.

Dr. Al Shamsi asserted that all precautionary measures announced, including the updated fines and penalties, will be enforced against violators, including citizens and residents.

"The law does not differentiate between citizens and residents. We are living in one homeland, which is for all of us," she continued.

"Your safety and health are a priority. We must comply with all precautionary measures. Though restrictions have been relaxed, caution must continue to be exercised."

Dr. Al Shamsi also warned, "Recklessness may undermine the efforts made by our frontline defenders. It is the responsibility of every individual to support protective efforts to ensure the safety of all."

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News Network
April 11,2020

Dubai, Apr 11: Saudi Arabia has reported another 382 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 4,033, the Ministry of Health announced on Saturday.

The ministry also confirmed five more deaths from the virus, pushing the death toll in Kingdom to 52.

A total of 35 people has made full recovery from the deadly disease, taking the tally of patients recovered to 720.

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