Backed by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, and supported by diplomatic and industry stakeholders in both nations, SAJEX was unveiled at twin curtain-raiser events in Jeddah and Riyadh earlier this month. The initiative aims to expand India’s gemstone exports to Saudi Arabia — a USD 1.1 trillion economy with a rapidly evolving jewellery landscape and growing demand for natural diamonds, coloured gems, and design-led creations.
With Saudi Arabia’s jewellery market expected to nearly double from USD 4.56 billion in 2024 to USD 8.34 billion by 2030, the appetite for premium gemstones — particularly solitaires, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and diamond-studded pieces — is accelerating. A younger, style-forward consumer base is also creating demand for contemporary cuts, rare gem varieties, and lab-grown diamonds, all of which form a key part of India’s export capabilities.
SAJEX 2025, scheduled from September 11 to 13 at the Jeddah Superdome, is expected to host over 200 exhibitors across 250+ booths and attract more than 2,000 global buyers. India’s showcase will span a rich array of loose diamonds, coloured gemstones, and fine gemstone jewellery — reflecting its global dominance in gem-cutting and design excellence.
Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, emphasised, “Saudi Arabia is emerging as a high-value destination for gemstone-centric exports. With India’s legacy in diamond polishing and coloured stone craftsmanship, we are well positioned to serve the region’s growing demand for authenticity, quality, and innovation in gemstone jewellery.”
The three-day event will feature a wide product mix: diamond solitaires, colour gemstone suites, fancy cuts, 18kt–22kt gem-set jewellery, lab-grown diamond collections, and heritage-inspired bridal pieces. New-age technology in gem setting, certification, and traceability will also be showcased to align with Saudi Arabia’s push for transparency and global best practices in luxury retail.
The launch also saw the announcement of the World Jewellery Investment Forum, co-hosted by GJEPC and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment. This high-level dialogue aims to spotlight the gemstone sector’s role in shaping the Kingdom’s jewellery ecosystem, while enabling joint ventures and knowledge exchange between Indian exporters and Saudi buyers.
Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, called SAJEX “a natural extension of India’s gemstone leadership and a platform that will open new corridors for value-driven gemstone trade and cultural exchange.”
Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, Consul General of India in Jeddah, added, “India’s gem and jewellery sector is unmatched in its diversity and design depth. Saudi Arabia’s evolving market offers immense scope for India’s vast range of gemstone offerings — from calibrated melee to statement colour stones.”
With India exporting over USD 32 billion worth of gems and jewellery annually, of which gemstones form a vital component, SAJEX 2025 marks a decisive move to capture emerging demand in the Gulf and position India as a long-term gemstone partner for the Kingdom.
