Yellow Gold in the Middle East

[Steve-O25]

I've recently accepted a job assignment in Muscat, Oman. Having spent the last two years in Angola, I'm looking forward to rescuing my gold DJ from the safe deposit box and inflicting some past due wear and tear. That was until this morning when I read that yellow gold in Oman is considered effeminate. How could that be in a country with a reputation for fine watches and expensive cars? My question, do I become the American expat gold watch wearing trendsetter or do I recognize local traditions and leave my DJ locked in a box back in the USA for another two years? I'll add that I'm a no jewelry blue jeans type guy, I don't even wear my wedding ring.

[penguin78]

Hi I worked in Oman for a month or so back a few years ago and people were definitely wearing YG pieces so I wouldn't worry about wearing the lovely DJ you got there

[thewatchknight]

If we're talking about the Middle East in general I find it hard to believe that yellow gold is frowned upon with cities with such luxury goods around like Dubai. As someone from a South Asian background I can say for that part of the world at least, yellow gold is highly regarded.

[BLACKHORSE 6]

When I was in Iraq, yellow gold was seen as effeminate. All the men wore silver or white gold jewelry. Maybe it's that way in the Arab world.

[vladamir15]

Technically it's against their religion to wear all types of gold jewelry. Some cheat the system by wearing white gold (white gold didnt exist when the rule came about)

[KarlS]

Gold is generally haram but platinum is a loophole

[DramaTurtle]

Wear what you want. I believe muslims are not allowed to wear gold. So that may be why it is considered "effeminate".

[ajas]

Spent 6 years in Abu Dhabi travelling to Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi, Yemen....
Have seen a lot of people wear YG or TT watches there.

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[Steve-O25]

Ive done a bit of reading. Men are prohibited from having gold touch their skin. That would include white gold and even gold plate. If you were to die wearing gold, you would not bask in gold during the afterlife.

[brettpaul]

I've lived in the region (Bahrain) for the past 8 years and have worked in every GCC country...some local men will not wear gold (any color) for religious reasons....I've seen local and expat men wear men who I've done business with in banking and government wear all colors of gold watches - the only watches that I've not seen are gem-encrusted.

You'll have no issues wearing your watch in the region.

[S.C]

You'll be fine I've seen many Omanis wear gold!

[nursejm]

Living here in Abu Dhabi for 7 years.

Its more of culture, for muslim only female should wear yellow gold.

I wear a 22k necklace, one local male muslim mocked me with a joke if I'm a girl.

Many male indians here in Middle East wears 22k bling bling necklace. We are in multi cultural region. If i were you i will wear that gold watch and just ignore this naysayers that yellow gold is for female

Plus you are in the safe part of the world where your can wear expensive things without getting robbed. So enjoy wearing your bling bling..

[Showcall]

My question, do I become the American expat gold watch wearing trendsetter or do I recognize local traditions and leave my DJ locked in a safe.

No way have you seen how many Kanja's The Sultan has commissioned on Rolex dials? Oman is a very peaceful country I doubt your watch will even raise an eyelid. I wore mine there it was a TT Certi Sub.

[nursejm]

Everytime i saw a gold rolex watch here in Abu Dhabi its always a lady. They loved the one encrusted with gems.
Most local men wear a STainless steel rolex or a two tone.


Wearing that gold rolex of yours will recognize tradition for sure. But you will not go to jail for wearing that one. (Pun intended)

Now is the perfect time to buy a new white gold fluted rolex. Or a two tone rolex. Lol


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[Hotrod297]

I've lived in the Middle East for 8 years. Like the other members said, It's a religious culture thinking, you're an Expat, they will not think badly of you. IMO, Omanis are perhaps the most chill in the region.

Take that poor guy out of the safe, and let it do it's thing!! You'll need it when you visit Dubai for a little R&R!!

[Colonel Mustard]

I’m in the UAE and while many Muslim men don’t wear gold, there’s no shortage of western, Indian and Filipino expats rocking outrageously ostentatious 24 carat yellow gold. Oman is particularly famous for it’s silver craft so you’ll see much more silver there than in other Gulf states. Omanis are wonderful and welcoming people - you’ll have zero problems enjoying your watch!

[Jetkopite]

No problem at all wearing Gold... Ive been in Dubai nearly 10 years and never an issue.. Yellow Gold is just seen as more of a woman's metal but I have plenty local friends who rock yellow gold pieces..

[gossbeau]

That Datejust though!!!

[1William]

I would honor local custom and use this as an excuse to pickup a nice watch to wear with the local culture. I would do nothing that might impair my ablity to do business. This is not a Western country where we value individually.

[MonBK]

If you have to ask..................

[beshannon]

Who makes up these rules?

[Alex_TA]

Just trade it for platinum


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[RaceDoc]

Correct! It is not "effeminate" issue it is a religious issue.. You will find many Muslims wear gold weddings bands and gold watches. Not everyone is following the rule and defiantly you will not be judged for wearing your watch. Good luck in your new job.

Originally Posted by DramaTurtle

Wear what you want. I believe muslims are not allowed to wear gold. So that may be why it is considered "effeminate".

[TheRolexKingofLV]

Regardless of your decision....that watch is gorgeous!

[sager]

If I may, allow me to shed some light on this: (excuse me for this being somewhat lengthy) By the way, I am currently living in the region and am originally from the region.

The local religion/belief system stipulates that attractive apparel (silk & gold) should only be worn by females and is forbidden to be worn by males. Furthermore, the region finds it difficult to differentiate custom/tradition from religion (as with some other countries and cultures). Therefore, historically it was "tradition" for gold and silk to be worn by females only.

In the recent history however, men have been seen wearing two-tone gold watches, rings, necklaces, etc... Very rarely would said male be approached by someone offering "advice" as to not wear gold if they wanted to go to heaven. But believe me, this is as rare as being on a long flight and finding out that the empty seat next to you belongs to a beautiful exotic woman who happens to be single and looking for company.

Sorry, I digress.

Also, as is with all religions, there are loop holes and men try to justify white gold with the reason being that the whole purpose of the belief was that yellow gold attracts attention and that white gold does not. Some state that during the formation of the religion, white gold wasn't event available.

All in all, today, gold is worn by males with pride with no one batting an eye. In fact, men go into mosques (places of worship) with their gold jewelry or silk ties and worship. It has become so common that commenting on gold or silk labels you as "old fashioned" or uptight.

So my point is, wear your jewelry and silk with pride and do not worry about anything. I thought I would just give you some background and context so you would be better informed.

Also, feel free to PM should you need anything. Nothing wrong with asking questions when you are new to the region.

Good luck!

As with all religions,




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[LightOnAHill]

great post Sager

[Steve-O25]

Well gentleman, you've made my decision easy. American expat gold watch wearing trendsetter it is. @Sager thank you for your wisdom. She was a Scotsdale country singer returning home from Nashville on a Southwest flight. Sitting in the last row, I bought the first round, the guy in the window seat bought round two and the balance of beverages were supplied courtesy of the airline. We giggled the entire flight which was entirely too short. It only happened once, it was 2005.

[Beauregard]

Originally Posted by Alex_TA

Just trade it for platinum

This. Or WG.

[Lordofrolex]

wear it

[Steve-O25]

That's not going to happen. The watch is a 25 year service award from my employer. Too much blood sweat and tears to ever consider a trade. I can always rely on my trusty Omega Ti 300 SMP if I get into a jam.