During Eid al-Adha in the Middle East, jewelry and ornaments become a major consumer hotspot, driven mainly by cultural traditions, social etiquette, investment value and self-expression. Combined with festive economic effects, this creates a peak sales period throughout the year.
Jewelry is a dual symbol of identity and faith in Middle Eastern culture. As one of the three major Islamic festivals, Eid al-Adha requires people to dress formally for religious gatherings.
Traditional jewelry such as gold and pearls has become a standard festive item. Jewelry featuring religious symbols like crescents, stars and Arabic calligraphy reflects piety, matches the festive atmosphere, and serves as an important carrier of cultural heritage. Meanwhile, Middle Eastern families have a tradition of buying gold jewelry for younger generations during festivals, regarding jewelry as a means of passing down family wealth.
Eid al-Adha involves frequent family visits, gatherings and banquets, making jewelry the top choice for respectable gifts. In local culture, giving cash directly is considered impolite, while gold jewelry carries both value and emotion. 41% of consumers choose jewelry as holiday gifts. 36% of Muslim women buy jewelry to match traditional clothing, showing charm on social occasions and complementing modest daily attire.
People in the Middle East view gold and jewelry as a stable, value-preserving hard currency. Buying gold during festivals has become an important part of household wealth management. Tax exemption policies on gold in Gulf States lower purchase costs, and stable gold prices during Eid al-Adha encourage concentrated buying. Gold jewelry sales typically rise by 30% during the festival. Middle-aged and older women prefer heavy gold pieces, while young people choose lightweight, stylish designs that balance investment and daily wear.
In recent years, jewelry design has blended tradition and modernity. Colored gemstones, minimalist lines and other elements are popular among Generation Z for personalization. E-commerce and social media have boosted jewelry sales by 45%, with “Eid al-Adha limited editions” attracting young buyers and expanding jewelry from high-end luxury to mass consumer goods.
In summary, the strong popularity of jewelry during Eid al-Adha in the Middle East results from the combination of culture, social norms and economic factors. It preserves tradition while adapting to modern consumption trends, making it one of the most dynamic categories in the festive economy.