Organized by GJEPC with support from Saudi ministries and chambers, the three-day fair also hosts the World Jewellery Investment Forum to drive trade and investment dialogue
Jeddah: The first edition of the Saudi Arabia Jewellery Exposition (SAJEX 2025) opened 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.
The opening ceremony set the tone for what organisers call “The World Gem & Jewellery Fair,” combining a large-scale trade showcase with the World Jewellery Investment Forum. The forum aims to deepen dialogue on investment, manufacturing, retail and future technologies shaping the sector.
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 India’s position as the world’s largest diamond processor and Saudi Arabia’s projected jewellery market growth from $4.5 billion to $8 billion by 2030.
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.
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 is set to create fresh avenues for investment and long-term collaboration.
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.”
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