Gold And Construction Prices Shift Across UAE And Egypt

On Friday, February 6, 2026, the gold and construction materials markets in both the United Arab Emirates and Egypt presented a scene of subtle but telling shifts—reminding investors and ordinary consumers alike that even the world’s most reliable commodities never stand completely still. The day’s data, drawn from a combination of regional price trackers and industry reports, painted a nuanced picture of stability, minor upticks, and the ever-present influence of global economic winds.

According to the latest figures published by the gold-price monitoring platform gold-price, gold prices in the UAE experienced a modest increase across all purities compared to the previous day. The price of 24-carat gold reached 573.2 dirhams per gram (about 156.2 US dollars). For those opting for 22-carat, the price stood at 525.4 dirhams (143.2 dollars), while 21-carat gold was available at 501.5 dirhams (136.7 dollars). The more affordable 18-carat option came in at 429.9 dirhams (117.1 dollars).

Larger purchases reflected these trends as well. An ounce of gold was priced at 17,828.2 dirhams (4,857.8 dollars), and a gold sovereign coin fetched 4,814.8 dirhams (1,311.9 dollars). These numbers, while not dramatic, signaled a cautious optimism among traders after a week marked by volatility.

Globally, gold and silver prices managed to rebound from early losses on Friday, though both precious metals were still on track for their second consecutive weekly decline. As gold-price analysts noted, the recovery was largely offset by a dip in technology stock values and a strengthening US dollar, which erased much of the gains gold and silver had posted during a brief recovery earlier in the week.

By 2:24 PM, spot gold had risen 0.4% to 4,790.80 dollars per ounce—an encouraging sign, though the week overall was set to close with a 1.4% decline. In contrast, US gold futures for April delivery dropped 1.7% to 4,806.50 dollars per ounce.

Market watchers pointed to monetary policy as a key factor in these fluctuations. According to the FedWatch tool, investors are anticipating at least two interest rate cuts of 25 basis points each in 2026, with the first expected as early as June. This expectation is significant: gold, which does not yield interest or dividends, typically performs better in low-interest-rate environments as it becomes more attractive relative to other assets.

In Egypt, gold prices reflected a similar story of relative calm with just a hint of movement. On February 6, 2026, the market reported that 24-carat gold was holding steady at 37,000 Egyptian pounds per gram, unchanged from the previous session. The 21-carat variety ticked slightly higher to 36,500 pounds, while 18-carat gold remained at 36,000 pounds per gram. Some downward movement was noted in the 14-carat category, which dipped to 34,500 pounds per gram. These figures, as reported in the Egyptian press, highlighted a market that, while not immune to international pressures, was largely stable—with only minor fluctuations in certain purities.

Industry experts in Egypt attributed this steadiness to a delicate balance between supply and demand, as well as a period of relative calm in global raw material prices. “The stability in gold prices today is due to a balanced market after previous waves of volatility,” one materials analyst explained. The report also pointed out that gold trading activity remained robust, with investors and jewelers closely monitoring daily price changes for any sign of a new trend.

But gold was not the only commodity under the microscope. The Egyptian construction sector—always a bellwether for broader economic health—also saw its share of headlines. According to a detailed market summary, the price of iron remained stable across major producers. Ezz Steel, the country’s leading manufacturer, held its price at 37,000 pounds per ton. Other players, including Suez Steel (36,500 pounds per ton), Egyptian Steel (36,000 pounds), and El-Gioushy Steel (34,500 pounds), also reported no changes from the previous day.

On the cement side, there was a bit more movement. Al-Nasr Cement dropped by 50 pounds to 3,630 pounds per ton, while Wadi El Nile Cement fell by 30 pounds to 3,670 pounds per ton. Suez Cement and Helwan Cement both held steady at 3,905 and 3,850 pounds per ton, respectively. Al-Mokawloon Cement slipped by 20 pounds to 3,800 pounds per ton. The consensus among cement companies was that these small price reductions stemmed from lower transportation costs and improved liquidity in raw materials. However, some of the larger manufacturers kept prices steady, citing long-term contracts with major contractors and infrastructure projects as the reason for resisting further cuts.

“The slight declines in cement prices are a result of decreased transportation costs and better raw material supply,” a cement company spokesperson said. “Major factories have maintained their prices due to long-term agreements with contractors and large-scale projects.”

Experts in building materials emphasized that the day’s price variations reflected a confluence of factors: the ongoing balance of supply and demand, global raw material prices (especially for iron, aluminum, and steel), transportation and energy costs, and the pace of new construction projects. Contractors, they advised, should keep a close eye on daily price updates and consider using forward contracts to hedge against sudden swings. “Investors and contractors are advised to monitor the market daily and rely on futures contracts to avoid unexpected price fluctuations,” a market expert recommended. “There are also opportunities to benefit from limited discounts on some types of cement to maximize profits and ensure project continuity.”

Meanwhile, the Egyptian gold market was the subject of official attention. A report published by Al-Ahram on February 6, 2026, detailed the first meeting of the Egyptian gold market committee at the Cairo Stock Exchange headquarters. The session, attended by 12 committee members, was part of a broader series of meetings aimed at reviewing the state of the gold market and strategizing for the future. The report also noted plans for a subsequent meeting with the African Confederation of Gold Producers on February 14, 2026—a sign that Egypt is looking to strengthen its position in the regional and continental gold trade.

These meetings, as described by Al-Ahram, are expected to address not only current market conditions but also the regulatory and logistical challenges facing gold producers and traders. The hope is that by fostering dialogue among stakeholders, Egypt can enhance transparency, stabilize prices, and reinforce its role as a hub in the African gold market.

All told, the first week of February 2026 offered a snapshot of two closely watched markets—gold and construction materials—at a moment of relative peace, but with plenty of undercurrents. Investors, contractors, and policymakers alike will be watching closely in the coming weeks, as global trends and local decisions continue to shape the fortunes of these vital commodities.