Story Highlight
– SAJEX 2025 inaugurated to boost India-Saudi trade relations.
– Exhibition features over 200 exhibitors and 250 booths.
– Saudi jewellery demand projected to reach $8.3 billion.
– India excels in gems and jewellery exports globally.
– Event fosters long-term partnerships and economic cooperation.
Full Story
The Saudi Arabia Jewellery Exhibition (SAJEX) 2025 was officially launched by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) on Thursday in Jeddah, underscoring a notable advancement in Indo-Saudi trade relations. Set to run from September 11 to 13 at the Jeddah Superdome, the three-day business-to-business event is expected to feature over 200 exhibitors across 250 booths.
SAJEX 2025 aims to bridge Indian craftsmanship with the burgeoning demand for jewellery in Saudi Arabia, which analysts forecast will reach $8.3 billion by 2030. This exhibition serves as a platform for both Indian and international jewellers, addressing the rising demand in the Saudi market. According to GJEPC, gems and jewellery accounted for approximately $890 million of the total $52.8 billion trade volume between India and Saudi Arabia in the fiscal year 2025.
Krith Bhansali, Chairman of GJEPC, commented on the strategic partnership between the two countries, stating, “Saudi Arabia is a natural partner for India’s jewellery industry. The Kingdom’s $4.5-billion jewellery market is projected to grow to $8.3 billion by 2030, supported by a strong GDP growth of $1.1 trillion, an annual jewellery consumption of $320 per capita, and a youthful, trend-conscious consumer demographic.” He highlighted India’s prowess in the sector, noting the country’s $165 billion gem and jewellery industry, which encompasses an $85 billion retail segment, $30 billion in exports, and a $50 billion bullion market. “No other nation can match the diversity of our ecosystem—from diamonds to gold, silver, coloured gemstones, and lab-grown diamonds. If it can’t be made anywhere, it can be made in India,” he added.
Suhel Ajaz Khan, India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, remarked on the exhibition’s potential to foster economic collaboration in a shifting global landscape, reiterating that “two traditional and natural” trade partners can benefit mutually. He pointed out that Saudi Arabia accounts for about 50% of the Gulf region’s gems and jewellery consumption while India stands as one of the leading exporters in this sector. “At present, India’s share in Saudi’s gems and jewellery market is relatively small, pointing to significant expansion opportunities. Furthermore, Jeddah is a central hub for gems and jewellery in the Gulf, suggesting potential for a robust economic partnership,” he stated.
In the face of rising unilateral tariffs, Khan asserted that the future strategy must focus on leveraging complementary strengths across various sectors, particularly in gems and jewellery, where India’s export capacities can meet Saudi Arabia’s large consumer base, leading to considerable trade benefits.
Echoing these sentiments, Siddharth Mahajan, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, noted India’s unrivalled scale, quality, and innovation as the world’s largest exporter of cut and polished diamonds, the second-largest in silver jewellery, and among the top exporters of gold jewellery. He emphasized the collaborative potential of India and Saudi Arabia in shaping a new epoch of bilateral trade, cultural exchange, and global brand development.
Khalid A. Al-Sheddi from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment remarked that the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding market “creates exceptional opportunities for partnership with India’s global leadership in gems and jewellery.” The exhibition is set to feature a range of products including diamond pieces, coloured gemstones, 18K-22K gold jewellery, platinum, and lab-grown diamonds, alongside hosting a World Jewellery Investment Forum in collaboration with the Kingdom’s Ministry of Investment.
Participating exhibitors expressed optimism that the expo would serve as an effective platform for exploring collaborative opportunities and sharing expertise, fostering long-term partnerships. Notable Indian manufacturers in attendance include Hasmukh Parekh Jewellers, Modern Impex, ZAR Jewels Pvt. Ltd, JKS Jewels Pvt. Ltd, Sky Gold & Diamonds Limited, and Senco Gold Limited, alongside companies from the UAE, Turkey, Hong Kong, and Lebanon. The event is anticipated to attract over 2,000 business visitors, including around 400 prominent jewellers.
Attendees at the launch included high-profile officials such as Fahad Al Jubairy, Assistant Deputy Minister for Industrial Investment at the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, Princess Nourah Al-Faisal, a prominent designer, and Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, Consul General of India in Jeddah.