Gold Bar Shopping: Bahrain's Top Spots

Gold has long been a symbol of wealth and prosperity, and for those looking to invest in this precious metal, Bahrain offers a solid network of gold suppliers. While not typically known for its bullion industry, Bahrain, like many other Middle Eastern countries, values gold as a store of family wealth. This guide will explore the various options for purchasing gold bars in Bahrain, from reputable dealers to online sources, ensuring that you make a secure and informed investment.

Gold bar suppliers in Bahrain

There are several options for those looking to buy gold bars in Bahrain. While Bahrain is not typically known for its bullion industry, the country has a solid network of gold suppliers. Here are some places to consider:

Village Local Miners Community:

This company claims to be one of the reputed manufacturers of a huge collection of gold bars in Bahrain. They promise high-quality gold bars with superior packaging that ensures protection against dust, moisture, and mechanical damage during transportation. Village Local Miners Community also offers smooth and fast delivery within the decided timeframe.

Bullion Dealers:

Bahrain has several bullion dealers that can be contacted for gold purchases. While specific company names are not provided, a website called Bullion Dealers Bahrain offers reviews, information, maps, and contact details for various bullion companies in the country. This can be a good starting point for researching and comparing different dealers.

International Websites:

Some international websites, such as BullionByPost.eu, offer gold coins from Bahrain. The Bahrain 100 Dinars Gold Coin is a rare find, featuring King Isa Bin Salman and the country's coat of arms. While this website does not specifically mention gold bars, it could be worth exploring their offerings or contacting them for more information.

Local Jewellers:

Local jewellers in Bahrain, such as Malabar Gold & Diamonds, may also deal in gold bars or provide information on where to purchase them. It is worth visiting or contacting these jewellers to inquire about their gold bar offerings or recommendations.

Importers, Buyers, and Distributors:

TradeKey, a website that connects buyers and suppliers, has a section dedicated to Bahraini gold bar importers, buyers, distributors, and resellers. This platform can be used to find companies that deal in gold bars and establish direct connections with suppliers.

Gold bullion dealers in Bahrain

Bullion.Directory lists three top-rated offshore gold bullion dealers in Bahrain: SWP Cayman, GoldCore, and BullionStar. However, it is unclear whether these companies are based in Bahrain or simply serve customers there.

Although Bahrain is not typically known for its bullion industry, the country has a solid network of gold bullion suppliers. According to the World Gold Council (WGC) as of October 2017, the Bahrain Central Bank holds 4.7 tons of gold, equivalent to 6% of its total reserves. Premiums in Bahrain are higher than in some neighbouring countries, particularly Dubai, where Bahrainis often buy gold online and either store it in Dubai's vaults or ship it back to Bahrain.

Gold bars vs gold coins

Gold bars and gold coins are both good options for investing in physical gold. Bahrain, like many countries in the Middle East, views gold as a store of family wealth, and the country has a solid network of gold bullion suppliers. When deciding whether to invest in gold bars or gold coins, it's important to consider your investment goals, budget, and storage options. Here are some key differences between gold bars and gold coins to help you make an informed decision:

Gold Bars

Gold bars generally have lower premiums than gold coins due to lower production costs. The compact size, durability, and portability of gold bars provide various easy storage options. They are also available in a wide range of sizes, making them accessible to investors with different budgets. Additionally, gold bars typically have a higher gold content, with most bars being 99.99% pure gold. This higher purity may attract investors seeking the highest gold content.

Gold Coins

Gold coins, on the other hand, are often issued by government mints and carry a legal tender face value, providing an extra layer of security. They also have a numismatic or collector's value due to their unique designs, limited mintage, or historical significance, which can lead to a higher resale value. Gold coins are typically available in smaller denominations, making them more accessible for investors with smaller budgets and providing greater flexibility when liquidating.

Other Considerations

The amount you're prepared to pay for premiums and additional costs, as well as storage considerations, are important factors to keep in mind. Gold bars tend to be less costly to produce and sell closer to the current spot price of gold. However, they can be challenging to sell due to their bulk, and you typically can't sell a portion of a bar. Gold coins, being smaller, are easier to store discreetly and sell in smaller amounts. They also have higher liquidity than gold bars.

Gold bar importers in Bahrain

Gold bars are available for purchase in Bahrain from a variety of sources, including online dealers, local jewellers, and international suppliers. Here is an overview of gold bar importers in Bahrain:

Online Dealers

Bahrain has a solid network of gold bullion suppliers, including online dealers such as BullionByPost, which offers insured delivery of gold coins and bars to Germany. Bullion.Directory provides reviews, information, and contact details for various bullion dealers in Bahrain, including SWP Cayman, GoldCore, and BullionStar. These dealers offer a range of gold investment options, and some cater specifically to international shipping and storage.

Local Jewellers

Local jewellers in Bahrain, such as Malabar Gold & Diamonds, provide a range of gold jewellery options, including gold bars. Malabar Gold & Diamonds has 325 stores across 11 countries and offers a zero-deduction gold exchange policy, assuring lifetime maintenance and purity with their 916 hallmark certification.

International Suppliers

International suppliers, such as Village Local Miners Community, provide gold bars to Bahrain. This supplier emphasises the quality and purity of their gold bars, utilising high-tech packaging machines to ensure protection during transportation. They also offer a smooth and fast delivery process within the decided timeframe.

Importers and Distributors

TradeKey lists several importers, buyers, distributors, and resellers of gold bars in Bahrain. Companies like Alqaysaria Jewellery, Acme Trading Co WLL, and The WHO International Trading WLL are actively seeking to purchase gold bars, nuggets, dust, diamonds, and other precious commodities.

While Bahrain may not be renowned for its bullion industry, the country has a strong network of gold suppliers, catering to both local and international buyers. These options provide various avenues for those seeking to import gold bars into Bahrain.

Gold jewellery in Bahrain

Gold jewellery is a popular choice for many in Bahrain, with a number of reputable jewellers offering a range of exquisite pieces. One of the most well-known jewellers in the country is Malabar Gold & Diamonds, with their showroom located in the Manama Centre, Gold City, Manama. Malabar Gold & Diamonds offer a range of gold jewellery collections, including the Precia, Era, Divine, Ethnix and Starlet collections. The company prides itself on its commitment to responsible sourcing and environmental protection and assures lifetime maintenance for its gold jewellery.

Another renowned name in Bahrain's gold jewellery industry is Al Zain Jewellery, established in 1930. With a bold vision to showcase rich Arabian heritage through contemporary art forms, Al Zain has expanded across the Middle East and into the US market. Their highly skilled artisans craft exquisite pieces from the highest grade raw materials, with collections such as Al Merta'shah, Al Hilal, and Al Merriyah.

Bahrain's gold jewellery market also includes international brands such as Arihant Jewellers, which offers a range of gold bars, coins, and jewellery. With a variety of options available, from local to international brands, Bahrain is a great place to purchase gold jewellery, with something to suit all tastes and styles.

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