Mumbai, July 2025 – In a significant move to deepen ties between India and the Gulf’s jewellery sectors, the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) kicked off the Exporter and GCC Designers’ Workshop at Mumbai’s Bharat Ratnam Mega Common Facility Centre, SEEPZ, on 17th July. The initiative is a precursor to SAJEX 2025, GJEPC’s landmark debut jewellery exhibition in Saudi Arabia, scheduled to take place at the Jeddah Superdome from 11th to 13th September 2025.
The workshop was inaugurated by Mr. Milan Chokshi, Co-convener of PMBD, and Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director of GJEPC, in the presence of leading industry professionals and designers. Special recognition was given to Ms. Mahima Varma and Mr. Tarun Jain, Founders of the World Academy of Design (Dubai), for their collaborative role in bringing six top-tier designers from the GCC to co-create with Indian jewellery manufacturers.
Strengthening Design Bonds Across Borders
In his keynote address, Mr. Sabyasachi Ray emphasized the strategic importance of this cross-cultural collaboration:
“Saudi Arabia’s jewellery market is entering a high-growth phase, with imports projected to nearly double from $4.5 billion to $8.5 billion by 2030. This design-focused initiative will help Indian manufacturers better understand and serve the evolving preferences of Gulf consumers. SAJEX 2025 is more than an industry show — it’s our vision for a global platform that fuses heritage craftsmanship with regional style. This workshop is a foundation for that vision.”
Mr. Milan Chokshi added that the collaboration reflects a broader transformation in Indian jewellery design:
“We’ve come a long way from merely replicating catalogue designs. Today, India’s design ethos is rooted in tradition but geared for global appeal. As the Middle East reinvents its identity through fashion and design, this is a moment for GCC designers to channel their unique aesthetics and co-create jewellery that resonates across cultures.”
A Platform for Cultural and Creative Synergy
Mr. Tarun Jain of the World Academy of Design framed the workshop as a bridge between two complementary strengths:
“This is more than a design exchange — it’s a strategic alignment of capabilities and cultural insight. The GCC designers we’ve introduced are forward-thinking professionals who bring a deep understanding of emerging trends in their markets. By working closely with Indian manufacturers, they’ll help shape collections that speak the visual language of Saudi and GCC buyers — while also guiding how these products are presented at SAJEX.”
Laying the Foundation for SAJEX and Beyond
With this workshop, GJEPC is not only preparing for its first exhibition in Saudi Arabia, but also nurturing long-term partnerships that could redefine jewellery collaboration between India and the Gulf region. The initiative is setting the stage for collections that blend cultural narratives with cutting-edge design — reflecting local taste while appealing to global consumers.
SAJEX 2025 is positioned to be more than a showcase — it will be a statement of shared creativity, commercial potential, and cross-border collaboration at its finest.
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