Surat Diamond Expo, organized by Surat Diamond Association (SDA) from July 11 to 13, 2025, at the prestigious Avadh Utopia, concluded on an exceptionally high note. The event witnessed remarkable participation and enthusiasm from industry stakeholders, culminating in trade transactions surpassing INR 100 crore. This impressive milestone reaffirmed the expo’s growing stature as a premier B2B platform for diamonds in India.

Amid a challenging international market environment, the event stood out for its robust participation and vibrant energy. A total of 73 exhibitors, mainly from Surat and Mumbai, presented an extensive range of offerings, from loose polished diamonds (both natural and lab-grown) to diamond-studded jewellery and the latest in gem-cutting technology.

The event drew a global audience, with overseas visitors flying in from the USA, Russia, Ukraine, Dubai, and other regions, while domestic buyers came from key cities including Jaipur, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Thrissur, Telangana, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kochi. The expo welcomed more than 30 foreign buyers and saw footfalls cross 6500 visitors over a period of the 3 days, setting a new benchmark for B2B engagement in the sector.

The exhibition was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Mayor of Surat, Daxesh Mavani, in the esteemed presence of Chairman of Surat Diamond Bourse, Govindbhai Dholakia. Both dignitaries commended Surat’s pivotal role in the global diamond trade and lauded its immense potential to emerge as an international hub for the diamond industry. They deeply appreciated the thoughtfully designed booth, taking keen interest in the wide array of diamonds showcased.

The following two days witnessed the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Home Minister of Gujarat, Harsh Sanghavi, along with prominent diamantaires Nagjibhai Sakariya, Vice President of Surat Diamond Bourse, and Laljibhai Patel, Vice Chairman of Surat Diamond Bourse along with Ghanshyambhai Shankar, owner of Shivam Jewels and the esteemed title sponsor of the event. The quality, craftsmanship, and presentation left a lasting impression on them, and they commended the exhibitors for their dedication to excellence and innovation in the diamond industry. Their encouraging words served as a great motivation for all participants, further validating the efforts put into curating a world-class display.

Surat City Police Commissioner, Anupam Singh Gehlot, and District Collector, Dr. Sourabh Pardhi, graced the event with their esteemed presence, lending prestige and importance to the occasion. Their visit not only reflected the administration’s strong support for the diamond industry but also underscored Surat’s progressive approach to fostering collaboration between governance and trade. It highlighted a shared commitment to economic growth, ethical practices, and strengthening the city’s global standing in the diamond sector.

Also in attendance was Arvindbhai Dhanera, Director of Dhanera Diamonds India Private Limited, a distinguished and influential figure in the diamond sector. With decades of contribution to the trade, particularly in Surat and Mumbai, his presence underscored the exhibition’s credibility and its relevance to industry leaders.

The Convener of the show, Vinod Dabhi, expressed immense happiness and satisfaction over the resounding success of the event, acknowledging the overwhelming response from exhibitors, buyers, and dignitaries alike. He emphasized that the collective efforts of the team had truly borne fruit.

Co-Conveners, Chandrakant Tejani, Jayesh Patel, Damjibhai Mavani and Natubhai Jasani also shared their pride and joy, stating that the months of hard work, planning, and coordination had culminated in a highly impactful and well-received exhibition.

 Jagdish Khunt, President of SDA, Vice-President Gourav Sethi, Secretary Dhirubhai Savani, Treasurer Shantibhai Dhanani, and Joint Secretary Jasmatbhai Vaghani expressed their satisfaction with the event’s turnout and commercial success. They shared that exhibitor response was overwhelmingly positive and hinted at the possibility of expanding the event to a biannual format, driven by strong demand and industry enthusiasm.

With over 700,000 skilled artisans employed across 5,000+ units, Surat continues to reinforce its stature as the world’s foremost hub for diamond cutting and polishing. As market dynamics shift and evolve events like CARATS remain crucial in fostering trade relationships, encouraging innovation, and supporting industry resilience.

CARATS 2025 – Surat Diamond Expo, India’s most premium B2B loose diamond exhibition, was inaugurated with grandeur at Avadh Utopia, Surat.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of several industry stalwarts and dignitaries, including Govindbhai Dholakia, Chairman of Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB); Vinod Dabhi, Convenor of CARATS; Jagdishbhai Khunt, President of SDA; along with senior members from SDB, SDA, and key players from the gems and jewellery (GJ) industry.

CARATS 2025 serves as a premium platform for loose diamond manufacturers, traders, and buyers to engage in high-level business interactions and showcase the finest quality diamonds. With Surat being the global hub of diamond cutting and polishing, the expo reaffirms the city’s pivotal role in shaping the future of the global diamond trade.

 The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the apex body of the gem and jewellery trade in India, with the support of the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India; the Embassy of India in Riyadh; the Consulate General of India in Jeddah; and the Dubai Jewellery Group, successfully launched SAJEX – The Saudi Arabia Jewellery Exposition through two curtain-raiser events in Jeddah on 6th July and Riyadh on 8th July 2025. The twin events witnessed an overwhelming response from over 280 key Saudi stakeholders — including top retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers.

SAJEX 2025 will take place from 11th to 13th September 2025 at the iconic Jeddah Superdome

As part of its ongoing efforts to diversify export markets and explore untapped opportunities, GJEPC is unlocking the growing potential of Saudi Arabia — the Gulf’s largest economy, with a GDP of USD 1.1 trillion. With its jewellery market projected to nearly double from USD 4.56 billion in 2024 to USD 8.34 billion by 2030, Saudi Arabia is fast emerging as a key destination for contemporary and luxury jewellery. A young, urban population and a dynamic retail environment are driving demand for 18K and 21K plain gold, diamond-studded jewellery, and premium design-led products. Against this backdrop, SAJEX becomes an important strategic step to strengthen India-Saudi Arabia ties and expand India’s jewellery footprint in the Middle East and beyond.

.

SAJEX, positioned as “The World Gem and Jewellery Fair,” marks the beginning of a long-term partnership between India and Saudi Arabia in the jewellery sector. India, as the global hub for jewellery manufacturing, will proudly showcase its exceptional craftsmanship, cutting-edge design, and manufacturing expertise at this platform which will feature over 200 leading exhibitors across 250+ booths from India, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, Hong Kong, and Lebanon. The event will witness over 2,000 international buyers, and the product showcase will span diamond and coloured gemstone-studded jewellery, 18kt, 21kt, and 22kt plain gold jewellery, platinum jewellery, lab-grown diamond jewellery, in both pret and bridal, gifting collections, along with cutting-edge jewellery technology.

What makes SAJEX truly unique is its long-term vision — to foster enduring partnerships between international manufacturers and Saudi retailers through a focused B2B platform tailored to the Kingdom’s evolving market. At the heart of this effort is the World Jewellery Investment Forum, co-hosted by GJEPC and the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia. This high-level forum will bring together government leaders, global brands, investors, and industry experts to explore strategic opportunities across the jewellery value chain — positioning Saudi Arabia as a future hub for jewellery design, innovation, and investment.

SAJEX curtain raiser at Jeddah was graced by Mr. Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, Consul General of India in Jeddah; Eng. Raed Ibrahim Almudaiheem, First Vice Chairman, Jeddah Chamber of Commerce; and Mr. Sheikh Ali Batarfi Al Kindi, President, Jeddah Jewellery Association, along with the GJEPC leadership team.

The Riyadh event witnessed the presence of His Excellency Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; His Excellency Mr. Ajlan Saad Alajlan, Second Vice Chairman, Riyadh Chamber; Mr. Faleh G. Almutairi, Director of International Relations with Asian Countries; and Ms. Manusmriti, Counsellor (Economic & Commerce), joined by Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC; Mr. Nirav Bhansali, Convener – National Exhibitions; and Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC.

Speaking about this new GJEPC initiative, Dr Suhel Ajaz Khan, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia said, “India and Saudi Arabia share a strategic and deep-rooted relationship, and SAJEX reflects this evolving bond. It’s not only a celebration of India’s design excellence but also a gateway to deeper commercial cooperation in the luxury segment. This initiative opens new avenues for bilateral partnerships, drives cultural exchange through craftsmanship, and contributes meaningfully to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. It is heartening to see such focused efforts towards strengthening economic ties in high-value sectors like jewellery.”

Mr. Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, Consul General of India in Jeddah said, “SAJEX 2025 is more than just an exhibition — it is a symbol of the growing partnership between India and Saudi Arabia. With India’s legacy of jewellery craftsmanship and Saudi Arabia’s rising global influence in luxury retail, this platform sets the stage for a vibrant and collaborative jewellery ecosystem. The Consulate is proud to support this initiative that not only deepens bilateral trade but also showcases the power of cultural and commercial synergy.”

Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “Amidst a dynamic global trade environment, SAJEX is a proactive step towards expanding India’s jewellery exports to high-potential markets like Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom, with its evolving luxury retail ecosystem, young consumers, and strong appetite for design-led gold and diamond jewellery, presents an exciting frontier for Indian manufacturers. SAJEX marks the beginning of a shared journey between India and Saudi Arabia — positioning the two nations as a formidable force. With India as a leading global supplier of gems and jewellery, exporting USD 32 billion annually, and Saudi Arabia’s jewellery market projected to nearly double to USD 8.34 billion by 2030, this partnership is set to reshape the industry and set new benchmarks for collaboration, innovation, and growth across the region and beyond.”

SAJEX 2025 Highlights:

• Date & Venue: 11th to 13th September 2025, Jeddah Superdome
• Participants: Over 200 leading exhibitors across 250+ booths
• Representation: Saudi Arabia, India, UAE, Turkey, Hong Kong, Lebanon
• Buyers: More than 2,000 international trade buyers expected
• Product Range: Diamond and coloured gemstone-studded jewellery, 18kt, 21kt, and 22kt plain gold jewellery, platinum jewellery, lab-grown diamond jewellery, in both pret and bridal, gifting collections, and jewellery technology
• Features: Knowledge Talks, Design Atelier, Curated Networking, Strategic Tie-ups, World Jewellery Investment Forum

SAJEX is expected to be a game-changer — not just as a trade platform, but as a catalyst for transforming the Kingdom’s gem and jewellery industry through global collaboration, innovation, and investment.