The Indian gem and jewellery industry is gearing up for SAJEX 2025 being held by GJEPC at the Jeddah Superdome in Saudi Arabia, a high-potential market with deep cultural ties to gold and diamond jewellery.
The Saudi Arabia Jewellery Expo (SAJEX) 2025, organised by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), is poised to be a landmark event for Indian jewellery manufacturers looking to tap into the lucrative and largely untapped Saudi Arabian market. With a focus on strengthening trade relations between India and Saudi Arabia, SAJEX offers a unique platform for exhibitors to showcase their craftsmanship, connect with global buyers, and explore a market brimming with potential. Industry leaders share their insights on why SAJEX is a golden opportunity for growth and diversification.
A Market Ripe with Opportunity
Saudi Arabia stands out as a promising market in the Middle Eastern region, characterised by a high per capita income and a deep cultural affinity for gold and diamond jewellery.
Nirav Bhansali, Convener – National Exhibitions, GJEPC and CEO of exhibiting firm Prism Jewellery, describes the Saudi Arabia market as a “gold mine”. He observed that local wholesalers hold massive inventories—some up to 500 kilos—but only a small fraction of 22-karat gold comes from India. The majority, primarily 21-karat, is sourced from Turkey or produced locally. Bhansali sees immense potential for Indian manufacturers to capture this market by adapting to local design preferences, predicting that a focused effort over the next few years could yield significant returns.
Exhibitor Colin Shah, Founder & Managing Director, Kama Jewelry highlights the scale of this opportunity, noting that Saudi Arabia is a $1 trillion economy with a per capita income of $28,000 and an $8 billion jewellery market, of which 83% remains untapped by Indian manufacturers. “The kind of designs which work there are very close to the sensibility which exist in our market,” Shah explains, emphasising the compatibility of Indian craftsmanship with Saudi preferences.
Why SAJEX?
SAJEX, being organised by the GJEPC from 11 to 13 September 2025, is more than just an exhibition; it’s a strategic initiative to bridge the gap between Indian manufacturers and the Saudi market.
Exhibitor Adil Kotwal, CEO, Creations Gems & Jewellery Pvt. Ltd., praises GJEPC’s efforts, calling SAJEX a “brilliant initiative” to diversify from the US-dominated market, especially in light of tariffs in America. Kotwal sees Saudi Arabia as a gateway to the broader Gulf region, offering Indian companies a chance to capture a high-value market where consumers are willing to pay a premium for quality jewellery.
The event aims to attract buyers from across the Middle East, North Africa (MENA), and CIS regions, including Dubai, Qatar, Bahrain, and beyond. Bhansali notes that SAJEX will draw clientele around Diwali, providing exhibitors with a low-risk opportunity to explore Saudi Arabia while maintaining business with existing regional clients. “If you’re lucky, you might crack a few deals. If not, you will still make some business with other people,” he says, framing SAJEX as both an investment in future growth and a platform for immediate returns.
Showcasing Indian Craftsmanship
Exhibitors are tailoring their offerings to appeal to Saudi Arabia’s love for grand, luxurious jewellery. Viral Kothari, Founder & MD, Kosha Fine Jewels Pvt. Ltd., is bringing bold, versatile designs to SAJEX, including transformable necklaces and pieces featuring emeralds, blue and pink sapphires. His target audience includes chain stores seeking value-for-money products, trendsetters craving unique designs, and luxury collectors who appreciate timeless elegance. “The Saudi consumers are known for their love of fine jewellery, and SAJEX gave us a great chance to showcase our pieces to people who value quality and tradition,” Kothari says.
Similarly, Karan Garodia, Founder & MD, Sanskriti Jewellery, is leveraging SAJEX to introduce his brand’s culturally inspired yet universally appealing designs. “Sanskriti is a young brand renowned for making jewellery inspired from deep-rooted culture yet very universal in sensibilities,” Garodia explains. His team is conducting in-depth market research to create collections tailored to Saudi tastes, aiming to position Sanskriti as the go-to brand for fresh, innovative, and colourful diamond jewellery.
Exhibitor Akash Talesara, President – Sales & Business Development, Sky Gold and Diamonds, emphasises the technological edge of his Mumbai-based manufacturing unit, which produces a wide range of gold and diamond jewellery. His goal at SAJEX is to connect with global buyers and showcase the best of Indian craftsmanship and innovation. “We look forward to serving them with the best product and technology from our in-house manufacturing,” Talesara says.
A Call to Action
SAJEX 2025 is a strategic entry point into a high-growth market. Bhansali urges manufacturers to seize this opportunity, emphasising GJEPC’s role in simplifying logistics and providing support through offices in Dubai and Saudi Arabia. “We will hold your hand. We will train you, teach you logistics,” he assures, encouraging bold participation for aspiring exporters. Kotwal echoes this sentiment, advocating for greater participation to ensure the event’s success, which he believes will create a “win-win situation” for all involved.
For Indian jewellery manufacturers, SAJEX represents a chance to diversify, innovate, and establish a foothold in a market with immense potential.
With the promise of new connections, untapped markets, and long-term growth, SAJEX 2025 is set to be a transformative event for the Indian jewellery industry.