The event marks a key milestone in the lead-up to SAJEX (Saudi Arabia Jewellery Exposition), GJEPC’s first-ever show in Saudi Arabia, scheduled from 11th to 13th September 2025 at the Jeddah Superdome.

The workshop was inaugurated by Milan Chokshi, Co-convener PMBD, and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, along with distinguished designers and industry stakeholders. A special welcome was extended to Ms. Mahima Varma and. Tarun Jain, Founders of the World Academy of Design, Dubai, who partnered with the Council to bring six leading GCC-based designers to collaborate with Indian manufacturers.

Delivering the keynote address, Sabyasachi Ray expressed his optimism about the initiative: “This design workshop marks a crucial step in deepening India’s engagement with the fast-evolving Saudi jewellery market. With Saudi’s jewellery imports expected to grow from $4.5 billion to $8.5 billion by 2030, this is a timely initiative. The collaboration between Indian manufacturers and GCC-based designers will help create region-specific collections that reflect Saudi sensibilities while showcasing India’s manufacturing strength. SAJEX 2025 is not just an India show; it’s envisioned as a world jewellery show, and this workshop lays the foundation for its long-term success. This is a young, affluent, and globally minded audience looking for style and substance — and India is perfectly poised to meet that demand.”

Adding to the sentiment, Milan Chokshi highlighted the broader design evolution taking place. “This initiative has the potential to spark something truly exciting in design. Indian jewellery design has evolved from referencing catalogues to creating original, contemporary pieces rooted in Indian heritage but made for the world. Today, as the Middle East undergoes its own transformation, this is a chance for GCC designers to draw from their own cultural identity and collaborate with Indian manufacturers to build something unique and globally relevant. The future belongs to original design — and this is where it begins.”

with this initiative, GJEPC is laying the groundwork for stronger ties between India and the Gulf. By bringing together design talent from both regions, the workshop is encouraging fresh ideas, meaningful partnerships, and jewellery that resonates with today’s global consumer. It’s a step towards building collections that not only reflect local tastes but also stand out on the international stage — just in time for the Council’s much-anticipated debut in Saudi Arabia with SAJEX 2025.