IIJS Premiere 2024: Dubai’s Design & Business Group aims to forge stronger connections with Indian jewellery industry 

At IIJS Premiere 2024, the Dubai Business Group for Gold and Jewellery Designers highlighted the potential for partnerships with Indian craftsmen, focusing on blending Dubai’s diverse design influences with India’s exceptional craftsmanship to create globally appealing jewellery collections 

MUMBAI: On the second day of IIJS Premiere held at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, a pivotal session titled ‘Bridging Cultures: Collaborative Design Initiatives between Dubai and India’ took place. This session featured a dynamic panel of Dubai-based jewellery designers, spearheaded by the Dubai Business Group for Gold and Jewellery Designers (DBGGJD), with the initiative taken by The Dubai Chambers. The panellists of the session were the board members of the DBGGJD group – Maha Al Sibai, Chairman; Ali Al Ali, Vice Chairman; Nosheen Bakhsh, Secretary General; and Vinita Michael, Director of Membership and Marketing. 

The session, moderated by Ashish Sakhardande, Head at IJEX, India Jewellery Exposition Dubai, opened with a discussion led by Maha Al Sibai, who provided an insightful overview of the DBGGJD’s objectives and activities. She emphasised the role of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in fostering platforms that connect designers with the broader jewellery industry and the government. Al Sibai elaborated on the structure of the DBGGJD, which is designed to support designers at different levels—from beginners to elite professionals. 

“Our role is to be that connection between designers and the industry. We listen to their struggles, understand their needs, and translate that into conversations with the government,” Al Sibai stated, highlighting the group’s mission to facilitate dialogue between the creative sector and regulatory bodies.  

Al Sibai further underscored the importance of global collaboration, particularly with Indian counterparts, given India’s rich heritage in jewellery craftsmanship. The group’s goal, as she put it, is to unite designers with suppliers and manufacturers worldwide, including India, which she described as “the capital of gemstones and diamond cutting.” 

Ali Al Ali, Vice Chairman of DBGGJD, took the discussion forward by reflecting on Dubai’s unique position as a global hub for diverse design aesthetics. He pointed out that Dubai’s multicultural environment allows designers to cater to a wide array of tastes and preferences, ranging from traditional to modern styles. This diversity, according to Al Ali, offers immense opportunities for innovation and creative exchange. 

“Dubai acts like an international city, and there are a lot of tourists from different nationalities. For us as designers, this is a very good opportunity to practice and visit this market, and practice new things,” said Al Ali, underlining the city’s potential as a breeding ground for creative experimentation. 

The conversation then shifted to Nosheen Bakhsh, Secretary General of DBGGJD, who highlighted the prominence and beauty of Indian craftsmanship. Bakhsh expressed admiration for the intricate workmanship that is emblematic of Indian jewellery, such as delicate kundan work and vibrant enamel designs. She emphasised the potential for collaboration between Indian craftsmen and Dubai-based designers, which could result in unique, cross-cultural creations. 

“Indian craftsmanship is essentially unparalleled, and it’s a true testament to the dedication and skill of the craftsmen. Imagine the possibilities when this heritage meets the innovative minds of today’s designers,” Bakhsh noted, envisioning a future where Indian and Emirati talents coalesce to create bespoke collections. 

Vinita Michael, Director of Membership and Marketing at DBGGJD, rounded out the discussion by stressing the importance of education in the jewellery design sector. Michael shared her personal journey, recounting how her education in India laid the foundation for her successful career. She advocated for ongoing education and the adoption of industry trends as crucial elements for keeping designs relevant and distinctive. 

“The area that I see a lot of promise in is education. Quality education and adapting to industry trends have helped me keep my designs relevant. If we can marry Indian craftsmanship techniques with modern designs for everyday wear, it would be a beautiful merger,” Michael said, highlighting the transformative power of learning and collaboration. 

The session concluded with a consensus among the panellists on the immense potential for collaborative ventures between the Indian and Dubai jewellery industries. The DBGGJD is actively seeking partnerships with Indian manufacturers and designers to create exclusive collections that cater to a global audience. Through such collaborations, both regions can benefit from a fusion of heritage and innovation, leading to the creation of unique jewellery pieces that resonate with a wide spectrum of consumers. 

Written by Maithili Patange 

Retail Jeweller India Exclusive