India-UAE Gems & Jewellery dialogue in Dubai brings together 200 stakeholders across the value chain

The dialogue included manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers and policy-makers from India and the UAE

Dubai: The India-UAE Gems & Jewellery Dialogue titled ‘Boosting Confidence’ was held on April 2, 2026 in Dubai, with participation from over 200 stakeholders. The event was organized under the patronage of the Embassy of India in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Consulate General of India in Dubai, and the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).

The dialogue brought together participants from across the jewellery value chain, including manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers and policy-makers from India and the UAE. Dignitaries present included Mohammed Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chamber; Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of the Department of Economy and Tourism; Jumal Al Kait, Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Trade; and Tawhid Abdullah, Chairman of the Dubai Jewellery Group.

In his keynote address, Dr Deepak Mittal, Ambassador of India to the UAE, referred to the UAE’s role under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and reiterated government support for the sector. Consul General Satish Kumar Sivan highlighted the need for unity within the trade, while Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, outlined efforts to increase exports and expand engagement across the GCC.

Commenting on the participation and industry sentiment, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “The India-UAE Gems & Jewellery Dialogue reflects the deep trust and resilience that define our bilateral relationship. The strong participation from over 200 stakeholders is a clear signal that, despite global uncertainties, confidence in the UAE market remains robust. With frameworks like the India-UAE CEPA and platforms such as IJEX, we are well-positioned to further strengthen trade, enhance market access, and build long-term partnerships. Going forward, our focus remains on deepening collaboration across the value chain and enabling ‘Business Beyond Borders’.”

Tawhid Abdullah, Chairman, Dubai Jewellery Group, said, “India and the United Arab Emirates have been among the longest-standing and most consistent trade and cultural partners in history. This enduring relationship has delivered significant mutual benefits, enabling both nations to expand their footprints into new markets and unlock diverse opportunities. During the India-UAE Gems & Jewellery Dialogue organized by the Consulate of India in Dubai, we witnessed a remarkable show of solidarity by our Indian counterparts. In these challenging times, the unwavering support and confidence demonstrated by Indian businessmen towards the UAE market is both reassuring and inspiring.”

Discussions during the session covered India-UAE trade in gems and jewellery, the position of the UAE market, and coordination between government, trade bodies and industry. Participants also referred to the India Jewellery Exposition Centre (IJEX) as a platform for market access in the region.

The initiative was aimed at boosting confidence within the jewellery community in both the countries in the current challenging times, facilitating a direct connect with the freight forwarders to address price escalation and insurance issues to support the trade, strengthening institutional and diplomatic support for jewellery trade under CEPA, and positioning India as a reliable, competitive and preferred sourcing partner.

The dialogue concluded with a commitment to continued cooperation and engagement in bilateral trade, with GJEPC reiterating its focus on facilitating business across markets.

Retail Jeweller ME News