From next-gen customers to AI-powered retail, 6th Retail Jeweller Middle East Forum decodes future-ready strategies for the jewellery business

The event served as a vital platform for Middle Eastern jewellers to discuss the current scenario in the industry and explore topics like gold confidence, digital disruption and workforce excellence

Dubai: The 6th Edition of the Retail Jeweller Middle East Forum & Awards, held on February 26, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Dubai, brought together the crème de la crème of the Middle Eastern jewellery industry for a day of insightful discussions, sharp presentations and a glittering awards ceremony. Organized by Retail Jeweller Middle East, the event served as a dynamic platform for industry leaders, innovators and young minds to exchange ideas, explore emerging trends and celebrate excellence in the jewellery sector.

The day began with an engaging presentation by Samit Bhatta, Co-Founder and Publisher of Retail Jeweller Middle East, and Sameer Gosar, General Manager of Customer Success at Retail Jeweller India and Middle East. They introduced manufacturers to the Retail Jeweller Middle East Show, happening from May 5 to 7, 2025 in Bahrain, emphasizing its role as a premier platform for connecting jewellery manufacturers with leading retailers across 15 countries with major focus on the Middle East. Their presentation highlighted the show’s potential to expand market reach and foster business growth in the Middle Eastern jewellery industry, setting the tone for the day ahead.

The Retail Jeweller Middle East Forum commenced with a ceremonial lamp lighting by industry stalwarts, including Tamjid Abdullah, CEO, Jawhara Jewellery, Chandu Siroya, Managing Director, Siroya Jewellers LLC, Pawan Gupta, Founder, Suntech, Gaurav Issar Founder, IDT, and Samit Bhatta. This was followed by a series of thought-provoking panel discussions, keynote presentations and an awards ceremony that celebrated the best in the industry.

The first panel discussion, ‘Young Minds, Dynamic Approaches’, explored how young jewellers are introducing bold ideas and reshaping strategies to add value to their businesses. Moderated by Raj Sahai of Retail Jeweller Middle East, the panel emphasized the importance of innovation, digital transformation and customer-centric approaches to stay relevant in a competitive market. The discussion highlighted how younger generations are leveraging technology and social media to redefine traditional business models and create unique customer experiences.

The second panel, ‘Chasing the Next-Gen Customers’, moderated by Ashish Sakhardande, Head, India Jewellery Exposition (IJEX), Dubai, focused on how brands are effectively targeting youth customers and fostering lasting connections. The conversation emphasized the role of social media, experiential retail and personalized marketing in engaging younger audiences. Panelists shared insights on how brands are adapting to the preferences of millennials and Gen Z, who value authenticity, sustainability and story-telling in their purchasing decisions.

Another key discussion,‘Creating Workplace Excellence’, moderated by Gaurav Issar, Managing Director, IDT, delved into strategies for building high-performing work cultures. The panel explored how organizations can nurture talent, foster innovation, and create environments that empower employees to thrive. The conversation highlighted the importance of leadership, employee engagement, and continuous learning in driving organizational success.

The final panel, ‘Crystal Gazing the Future’, moderated by Samit Bhatta, brought together industry stalwarts to discuss global shifts, growing confidence in gold, and economic growth in the Gulf, creating new opportunities for retail jewellers. The panel featured Tawhid Abdulla, Chairman, Jawhara Jewellery, Nishith Shah, CEO, La Marquise Jewellery, Chandu Siroya, Managing Director, Siroya Jewellers LLC, and Amit Dhamani, Managing Director, Dhamani Jewels Group. These industry leaders shared their perspectives on how global economic trends, technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences are shaping the future of the jewellery industry.

The forum also featured insightful keynote presentations. Rishikesh Trivedi, President of the Executive Committee for Supply Chain & Logistics Group, unveiled the Jewel Tech Adoption Index, an industry benchmark for technology adoption in the jewellery sector. Rupam Bhattacharjee, Co-Founder and MD of WaysAhead Global, spoke on the Role of AI in Driving Retail Success, emphasizing the importance of location intelligence. Muneeb Cholayil, Head of Business for Suntech Business Solutions,dwelt on The AI-Powered Future of Jewellery-Tech, showcasing how digital transformation is reshaping the industry.

The event also celebrated the creativity and contributions of visionary designers who continue to inspire the industry. The event honoured Shrushti Sharma, Founder, Designer of India, and Manisha Mehta, Founder of Tenth Dimension, for their exceptional creativity and dedication to the craft.Maha Al Sibai, Founder of Maha Al Sibai Jewellery, and Chairman of Dubai Business Group for Gold and JewelryDesigners, was felicitated for her remarkable vision and contributions to the Middle Eastern jewellery industry.

The evening concluded with the prestigious Retail Jeweller Middle East Awards 2025, celebrating excellence in design, craftsmanship, marketing, and leadership. The awards recognized outstanding achievements across multiple categories. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Janak Parekh of New Jumbo Jewellers, while Ramesh Vora of Bafleh Jewellery was honoured for his Special Contribution to the Gem & Jewellery Industry.

The Retail Jeweller Middle East Forum & Awards 2025 was supported by its valued Lab Partner, IDT GemologicalLaboratories and Associate Partner, Suntech Business Solutions. The event was powered by the Dubai Business Group for Gold and Jewelry, and this collaboration played a key role in making the forum a success.

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