Story Highlight
– GJEPC launched Saudi Arabia Jewellery Exhibition (SAJEX) 2025.
– Event aims to boost India-Saudi trade relations.
– Over 200 exhibitors will participate in the fair.
– Saudi jewellery market projected to reach $8.3 billion.
– India leading exporter of gems and jewellery industry.
Full Story
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) officially opened the Saudi Arabia Jewellery Exhibition (SAJEX) 2025 in Jeddah on Thursday, a pivotal initiative aimed at bolstering trade ties between India and Saudi Arabia. This business-to-business exhibition, running from September 11 to 13 at the Jeddah Superdome, features over 200 exhibitors showcasing their offerings across 250 stands.
SAJEX 2025 seeks to bridge Indian artistry with the burgeoning jewellery market in Saudi Arabia, which is anticipated to expand to $8.3 billion by 2030. The event unites a considerable number of Indian and international jewellers to meet this rising demand within the Kingdom. The gems and jewellery sector accounted for approximately $890 million of the $52.8 billion trade between India and Saudi Arabia during the financial year 2025, as reported by GJEPC.
Krith Bhansali, Chairman of GJEPC, remarked on the mutual benefits of this partnership, 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, fuelled by strong GDP growth of $1.1 trillion, high per capita jewellery consumption of $320 annually, and a young, fashion-forward consumer base.” He highlighted India’s position as a formidable player in the gem and jewellery market, which boasts a total worth of $165 billion, inclusive of an $85 billion retail segment, $30 billion in exports, and a $50 billion bullion trade, asserting, “If it can’t be made anywhere, it can be made in India.”
Suhel Ajaz Khan, the Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, noted that SAJEX presents fresh opportunities for economic collaboration amidst evolving global dynamics. He pointed out that Saudi Arabia consumes about half of the Gulf’s gems and jewellery, while India ranks among the largest exporters globally. “Currently, India’s share in Saudi’s gems and jewellery market is modest, indicating significant growth potential. Jeddah is a hub for gems and jewellery in the Gulf region, so there is a prospect of a strong bilateral economic partnership,” he remarked.
Khan stressed the importance of building on each country’s strengths in a world where unilateral tariffs are on the rise, particularly in the gems and jewellery sector, which positions India’s export capabilities alongside Saudi Arabia’s expansive consumer market for promising trade advancements.
Siddharth Mahajan, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, echoed the sentiment, stating that India offers unparalleled scale, quality, and innovation. With India being the leading exporter of cut and polished diamonds and the second-largest in silver jewellery, he believes the collaboration can lead to a new chapter of bilateral trade, cultural exchange, and global branding.
Khalid A. Al-Sheddi from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment remarked that the Kingdom’s rapidly developing market “creates exceptional opportunities for partnership with India’s global leadership in gems and jewellery.”
The exhibition will feature an array of products including diamond and coloured gemstone pieces, 18K-22K gold jewellery, platinum, and lab-grown diamonds. It will also host a World Jewellery Investment Forum, co-organised with the Saudi Ministry of Investment.
Exhibitors expressed optimism that the expo would facilitate synergies, knowledge sharing, and the establishment of lasting partnerships. Notable Indian firms such as Hasmukh Parekh Jewellers, Modern Impex, ZAR Jewels Pvt. Ltd., JKS Jewels Pvt. Ltd., Sky Gold & Diamonds Limited, and Senco Gold Limited are among those leading the participation, alongside businesses from the UAE, Turkey, Hong Kong, and Lebanon. The event is expected to attract over 2,000 business visitors, including 400 prominent jewellers.
Among the dignitaries present were Fahad Al Jubairy, Assistant Deputy Minister for Industrial Investment at the Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources; Princess Nourah Al-Faisal, a designer and industry influencer; and Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, the Consul General of India in Jeddah.