The timing couldn\u2019t have been better. With India-Saudi total bilateral trade touching US$42 billion in FY 2024-25, and India\u2019s gem and jewellery exports to the Kingdom rising 45% to US$151.5 million, SAJEX arrived as both a celebration of existing ties and a catalyst for future growth. The 55% jump to $129.31 million in studded gold jewellery exports alone signals the appetite Saudi consumers have for Indian craftsmanship.<\/p>\n
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What made SAJEX truly special wasn\u2019t just the numbers\u2014it was the spirit of collaboration that permeated every conversation, every handshake, and every business card exchanged. As Her Royal Highness Princess Nourah Al-Faisal \u2013 Designer, Entrepreneur, and Industry Leader, noted, \u201cI\u2019m especially delighted to be with our partners from India, who have stood by me in business for over 30 years\u2014we are truly fortunate to have you. It makes perfect sense to build an ecosystem closer to home that fosters creativity and collaboration. Our youth are incredibly talented, dedicated, and full of potential, but they need the right support\u2014educational, industrial, and more\u2014to unlock it. India\u2019s deep expertise and experience in this industry make it the ideal partner to help us build that infrastructure. Together, we can create new opportunities, open pathways, and empower a new generation of designers to achieve their dreams.\u201d<\/p>\n
The exhibition floor buzzed with conversations that revealed fascinating insights about Saudi Arabia\u2019s evolving jewellery landscape. Abhishek Sand, Co-founder, Savio Jewellery, Jaipur captured the market dynamics perfectly: \u201cIn Saudi Arabia, the ratio of sellers to buyers is very low\u2014each retailer works with only two or three suppliers. If India establishes the right agreement, like the CEPA with UAE, Saudi could become the biggest export market for India.\u201d<\/p>\n
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This scarcity of suppliers creates a unique opportunity. While gold dominates about 80% of the Saudi jewellery market, Sand pointed out that \u201cthe remaining 20% of studded jewellery is still a huge opportunity. Currently, much of this is routed through Dubai. If India can supply directly under an FTA, with the quality we provide, Saudi buyers will be very happy, and demand will grow even more.\u201d<\/p>\n
The sentiment was echoed by Raghavan Ramaswamy from Oro Precious Metals, who found that \u201cbuyers here are particularly interested in lightweight plain gold pieces.\u201d For Shikha Kothari of Kosha Fine Jewels, the response was encouraging: \u201cThis market is growing and we\u2019re offering trendy jewellery which people here are seeking. It\u2019s a great market, extremely booming, with a lot of scope for growth, especially for Indian jewellery manufacturers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Exhibitors from neighbouring GCC markets also weighed in. Mr. Arzo of Arzo Jewellery, Bahrain, said, \u201cThe Saudi market holds strong potential, given its size and population strength. We came here because we believe in this growth and in the trust Saudi consumers already place in Bahraini jewellery.\u201d While 21-karat and 22-karat gold jewellery remains dominant, he acknowledged growing interest in diamonds and gemstones. The main challenges, he noted, were taxation and logistics: \u201cWith VAT at 15% and a 5% duty, it\u2019s not easy to increase business. But with collaboration between governments, this can improve. Our short-term strategy is to focus on exports, but in the mid-term, we plan to establish manufacturing in Saudi itself to overcome these hurdles.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jeddah-based jeweller Mohamed Said Bin Waber from Masag Gold & Jewelry observed this shift firsthand: \u201cIn Saudi Arabia, gold remains the most popular choice, but demand is also growing for diamonds and coloured gemstones. Younger consumers are drawn to new designs, while pilgrims and tourists continue to shape the market.\u201d<\/p>\n
The market spans all socio-economic segments, from mass-market collections to top-end luxury, requiring tailored approaches for each demographic. This diversity creates opportunities for Indian manufacturers across the entire spectrum of jewellery offerings.<\/p>\n
Building Trust in a New Market<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the most significant themes throughout SAJEX was the emphasis on trust-building. As exhibitor Adil Kotwal, Managing Director, Creations Gems & Jewellery noted, \u201cSaudi buyers are impressed by the quality of our diamond jewellery, and while they have traditionally sourced from a handful of suppliers, SAJEX has provided excellent exposure to India\u2019s world-class capabilities.\u201d<\/p>\n The challenge isn\u2019t just about product quality\u2014it\u2019s about understanding local preferences and building relationships. Visitor Ahmed Alammari, CEO, Dewan Aldahab Jewellery, welcomed the mix of \u201cmanufacturers and wholesalers from Dubai and India\u201d who met a real demand, noting that such events are rare here. Visitors, including myself, are enjoying the experience and making purchases \u2014 a clear sign of its success.\u201d<\/p>\n Adding a broader retail perspective, another visitor Ehab Al Khuffash, Country Manager \u2013 KSA, Damas, added: \u201cSAJEX in Jeddah is a fantastic opportunity for the jewellery industry and retailers in Saudi Arabia. For the first time, the show brings together a wide range of exhibitors from around the world, including Dubai. We wish everyone a highly successful exhibition.\u201d<\/p>\n However, challenges remain. The high customs duties and VAT on direct deals mean most business flows via Dubai, which only incurs a 5% levy. As Adil Kotwal pointed out, \u201cBuilding connections here will take time, especially with the cumulative 20% customs duty plus VAT on direct deals.\u201d<\/p>\n Despite these challenges, the regulatory environment is evolving rapidly. Both governments are committed to resolving licensing and regulatory issues through structured engagement, with optimism running high as Saudi achievements under Vision 2030 are ahead of schedule.<\/p>\n The exhibition showcased how technology is reshaping the jewellery landscape in Saudi Arabia. From advanced manufacturing solutions to omnichannel retail strategies, technology emerged as a vital component for success in the Saudi market. Young Saudi consumers expect seamless integration between online research and in-store purchasing experiences.<\/p>\n A Market in Transformation<\/strong><\/p>\n The success of SAJEX 2025 has set high expectations for future editions. Visitor Mohamed Said Bin Waber expressed the collective sentiment: \u201cBy 2026, we look forward to an even bigger show with more exhibitors and participants.\u201d The exhibition demonstrated that Saudi Arabia wants partnerships beyond simple B2B trade\u2014in design, manufacturing, and retail.<\/p>\n For many exhibitors, the potential felt both vast and promising. Sanjay Jain, Founder, Manoj Ornaments described it perfectly: \u201cSaudi Arabia has its own unique culture and tremendous potential. Participating in SAJEX feels like standing at the edge of an ocean\u2014you know the depth is there, but you must dive in to fully understand it. This is just the beginning, and while challenges exist, we are already seeing serious enquiries and interest. With consistency and preparation beyond just attending shows, the Saudi market can open up vast opportunities for Indian jewellers.\u201d<\/p>\n This sentiment of long-term potential was shared by Nikhil Parekh, Director, Hasmukh Parekh Jewellers, who sees the Kingdom\u2019s trajectory clearly: \u201cSaudi Arabia is progressing rapidly, and by 2030\u201335 it could well compete with established jewellery hubs like Dubai and Doha. For us, Kolkata-made jewellery has a definite place in this growing market.\u201d His confidence stems from exploring \u201ccollaborations with leading wholesalers to establish a strong footprint in the Kingdom.\u201d<\/p>\n CA Pawan Kumar, Owner, Suntech Business Solutions captured the urgency perfectly: \u201cThe Saudi market is growing rapidly, which is why we are opening offices in Riyadh and Jeddah and have already recruited our teams. For anyone looking to grow in the GCC region, being part of the Saudi market is essential\u2014if you\u2019re not here, you risk missing the train of growth.\u201d<\/p>\n Joint manufacturing ventures represent a major opportunity, with Saudi positioned as both a consumer and a potential production hub for the broader GCC and MENA regions. The Kingdom\u2019s strategic location, combined with its Vision 2030 initiatives, makes it an attractive base for companies looking to serve the broader Middle Eastern market.<\/p>\n The Road Forward<\/strong><\/p>\n SAJEX 2025 proved that when vision meets opportunity, extraordinary things happen. The exhibition succeeded not just in showcasing beautiful jewellery, but in creating a platform for meaningful partnerships that respect cultural nuances while embracing innovation.<\/p>\n As Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, noted, \u201cSAJEX represents a significant step towards deepening India-Saudi collaboration, creating new opportunities for trade, innovation, and industry leadership.\u201d The success of this inaugural edition has laid the foundation for what promises to be a transformative partnership between two nations with complementary strengths and shared aspirations.<\/p>\n For Indian jewellery manufacturers, SAJEX has opened a door to one of the world\u2019s most promising markets. For Saudi Arabia, it has provided access to India\u2019s unmatched expertise in gems and jewellery. Together, they\u2019re writing a new chapter in the global jewellery story\u2014one that promises to benefit both nations and the industry as a whole.<\/p>\n The question now isn\u2019t whether to engage with the Saudi market, but how quickly and effectively companies can establish their presence in this rapidly evolving landscape. As the market continues its journey toward the projected US$8.34 billion by 2030, those who move decisively today will be best positioned to benefit from tomorrow\u2019s opportunities.<\/p>\n Panel Discussions: Charting the Future Together<\/strong><\/p>\n Moderated by Manisha Gupta, Editor, Commodities & Currencies, CNBC TV 18, the three panel discussions at the Global Jewellery Investment Forum added depth to these market observations.<\/p>\n The first, \u201cInvestment Prospects for the Gem & Jewellery Industry: Facilitating Seamless Trade by India & the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the World<\/em>\u201d, highlighted Saudi Arabia\u2019s vast reserves of gold, silver, platinum, and gemstones, alongside India\u2019s strengths in cutting, polishing, and training. Panellists stressed that Vision 2030 and India@2047 are natural complements, and that building smoother trade channels is key to unlocking Saudi Arabia\u2019s role as a global hub.<\/p>\n The second, \u201cRetail & Manufacturing: Co-creating the Future of Jewellery for the GCC Consumer<\/em>\u201d, examined how Vision 2030 and women\u2019s empowerment are reshaping jewellery demand. Cultural preferences for 21\/22-karat gold and bold designs remain strong, but younger Saudis are increasingly drawn to diamonds and branded jewellery. The discussion emphasised that joint manufacturing ventures, omnichannel retail, and partnerships beyond simple B2B trade will be critical to reaching the projected US$8-10 billion market by 2030.<\/p>\n The third, \u201cLabs & Associations: Harmonising the Market<\/em>\u201d, focused on the importance of trust and certification in an evolving ecosystem. Experts pointed to blockchain, grading consistency, and consumer education as essential to building credibility. With millions of tourists buying jewellery in Saudi Arabia and carrying it abroad, panellists agreed that harmonised standards and stronger collaboration between labs, government, and associations are vital for positioning the Kingdom as a trusted global jewellery hub.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The inaugural Saudi Arabia Jewellery Exposition (SAJEX) organised by GJEPC at the Jeddah Superdome marked more than just another trade show\u2014it represented a watershed moment in India-Saudi relations and the birth of what promises to become a landmark event for the global gems and jewellery industry. From 11th to 13th September 2025, over 100 exhibitors…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":33218,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[91,112],"tags":[],"thb-sponsors":[],"class_list":["post-33217","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-events","category-international"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gjepc.org\/solitaire\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/SAJEX-4.jpg\")
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