SAJEX 2025 concludes in Jeddah, with 200 exhibitors and 2,000 international buyers

Organised by GJEPC with support from Saudi ministries and chambers, the three-day fair also hosted the World Jewellery Investment Forum to drive trade and investment dialogue. 

Jeddah: The first edition of the Saudi Arabia Jewellery Exposition (SAJEX 2025) concluded at the Jeddah Superdome, bringing together over 200 exhibitors from India, the UAE, Bahrain and beyond, alongside more than 2,000 invited international buyers. The three-day B2B fair, organised by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) of India with support from the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA), the Consulate General of India in Jeddah, the Jeddah Jewellery Association, Jeddah and Makkah Chambers of Commerce, the Dubai Jewellery Group and Arabian Horizons as destination partner, was inaugurated in the presence of senior dignitaries from both countries. 

SAJEX marked a new chapter in India–Saudi trade relations, arrived at a time when bilateral economic ties are expanding at record pace. India-Saudi trade touched USD 42 billion in FY 2024–25, with India now the Kingdom’s second-largest trading partner and Saudi Arabia its fifth-largest partner. Gems and jewellery is a recognised pillar of India’s exports to the Kingdom, alongside engineering goods, food, textiles, and chemicals.

The opening ceremony set the tone for “The World Gem & Jewellery Fair,” combining a large-scale trade showcase with the World Jewellery Investment Forum. The forum aimed to deepen dialogue on investment, manufacturing, retail and future technologies shaping the sector. 

In his message about the first ever India’s gem & jewellery show in Saudi Arabia Mr. Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, stated, “India and Saudi Arabia have long shared a relationship founded on trust, energy cooperation, trade and people-to-people ties. Saudi Arabia remains one of India’s largest trading partners in the Gulf region. In this context, SAJEX stands out as a timely and significant platform that will not only strengthen commercial ties but also open new avenues for collaboration in design, innovation and market access.”

Highlighting the significance of this collaboration, Mr. Jitin Prasada, Hon’ble Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Government of India noted in a statement that, “This landmark initiative will further strengthen the deep-rooted ties between our two nations and open new avenues of collaboration in the gems and jewellery sector. It is a great initiative towards exploring and expanding new markets.”

Welcoming delegates, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said the event was about more than just exhibition. “SAJEX is not just a showcase but a bridge. India brings centuries of jewellery craftsmanship and global scale; Saudi Arabia offers a young, dynamic marketplace. Together, we have the potential to co-create an ecosystem that blends tradition, innovation and investment, shaping the jewellery trade of tomorrow,” he said, noting Saudi Arabia, with its USD 1.1 trillion GDP, is the Gulf’s largest economy and a rapidly expanding luxury retail market. Its jewellery sector is projected to almost double from USD 4.56 billion in 2024 to USD 8.34 billion by 2030, driven by young consumers, urbanisation, and rising demand for design-led products.

Echoing this, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia, described the exposition as a reflection of the broader transformation in bilateral ties. “This exposition reflects the transformation in India–Saudi relations. Our leaders have set strong foundations for partnership, and SAJEX is a natural extension of that vision. By convening global stakeholders here, we are turning Jeddah into a regional hub for jewellery trade and investment,” he said, pointing to Vision 2030 as a driver of new opportunities. 

From the Saudi side, Faleh Almutairi, Director of International Relations at the Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade, stressed the economic weight of the partnership. “Trade between our countries surpassed $40 billion last year, and jewellery will now add a new chapter to this success. SAJEX is not only a commercial platform; it is an arena of ideas, innovation and heritage that will feed into Saudi Arabia’s diversified economic future,” he noted, underlining the integration of heritage and modernisation in the Kingdom’s plans.

Reinforcing the Kingdom’s outlook, Khalid A. Al-Sheddi, General Manager, Investors Relations at the Ministry of Investment, said the exhibition fitted squarely within Saudi Arabia’s vision to attract partnerships. “Events like SAJEX reflect the Kingdom’s vision to foster global partnerships. This exhibition is more than a display of artistry; it is a true B2B platform that brings together businesses to explore synergies, exchange expertise and forge long-term prosperity,” he remarked. 

On the Indian side, the message was clear about complementarity. Siddharth Mahajan, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, highlighted the collaboration of creativity and manufacturing strength. “Sourcing Saudi creativity and pairing it with India’s manufacturing expertise is a game-changer. SAJEX is a platform where technology, talent and tradition converge to create jewellery that is authentic, innovative and globally competitive,” he said, adding that the forum will also spotlight digital innovations and AI-led manufacturing. 

To which Mr. Nilesh Kothari, Convener, International Exhibitions, GJEPC, added
“SAJEX marks an important milestone in the partnership between India and Saudi Arabia. As Indian jewellers engage with Saudi buyers, we are not only showcasing exquisite craftsmanship but also building cultural bridges rooted in trust and mutual appreciation. This event sets the stage for enduring connections and new collaborations in the evolving jewellery landscape.”

Across all speeches, a common theme was the shared ambition to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for jewellery trade while leveraging India’s manufacturing and design leadership. With over 200 booths covering diamonds, gold, silver, platinum and coloured gemstones, and thousands of buyers expected over three days, SAJEX 2025 created fresh avenues for investment and long-term collaboration. 

At the heart of the exposition was the Global Jewellery Investment Forum, organised by GJEPC and supported by the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA). The forum brought together government leaders, investors, global brands, and industry experts to explore avenues of collaboration and growth for the gem & jewellery sector in the GCC. Discussions were structured across three key sessions: Investment Prospects for the Gem & Jewellery Industry, which examined how India and Saudi Arabia can facilitate seamless global trade; Retail & Manufacturing, focused on co-creating innovative jewellery designs, products, and retail solutions for GCC consumers; and Labs & Associations, which highlighted the role of gemmological labs and trade bodies in harmonizing the market, driving consumer awareness, and building trust through certification and best practices. Collectively, the sessions underscored opportunities for bilateral investment, strengthening of industry standards, and the creation of a robust ecosystem that promotes transparency, innovation, and sustainable growth.

SAJEX 2025 has set the stage for a new era of collaboration between India and Saudi Arabia, blending India’s legacy of craftsmanship with the Kingdom’s vision of becoming a global hub for luxury and innovation. By fostering enduring trade partnerships, encouraging investment, and celebrating cultural exchange, the exposition reflects the shared commitment of both nations to shape the future of the global gems and jewellery industry.

The inaugural edition not only provides a platform for trade but also signals a strategic shift. India, valued as a $165 billion jewellery ecosystem, is aligning with Saudi Arabia’s fast-expanding luxury and retail environment. As Bhansali summed up, the show is about “building connections, encouraging investments and co-creating the future of this vibrant industry together.” 

Retail Jeweller ME News