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RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief distributed aid parcels in Lebanon and Sudan reported state news agency SPA on Friday. 

In Sudan, the aid agency benefited 6,895 people displaced with 1,000 food parcels in the Al-Tadamon and Wad Al-Mahi areas of Sudan's Blue Nile State.

While in Lebanon, the aid agency gave 357 food packages to families in Beirut, benefiting 1,785 individuals.

JEDDAH: Jeddah Superdome glimmered as the ������Ƶ Jewelry Exposition opened its doors on Thursday, with more than 200 exhibitors. 

The exhibitors from India, ������Ƶ, the UAE and other key markets showcased high-end diamond, gold, gemstone and lab-grown jewelry.

The three-day event, which will end on Saturday, was organized by the Consulate General of India in Jeddah in collaboration with the Gem and Jewelry Export Promotion Council of India and the Embassy of India in Riyadh, with support from the Ministry of Investment of ������Ƶ and the Jeddah and Makkah Chambers of Commerce. 

For many participants, SAJEX 2025 marked their first entry into the Saudi market. 

Karan Vasa, operations manager of India-based Red Exim, said: “This is our first time participating in SAJEX, and we specifically brought designs that resonate with the Middle Eastern market. 

“Gold and yellow diamond combinations are particularly popular here, so we created a necklace set exclusively for Saudi customers. We hope this marks the beginning of a strong presence in the Saudi market as Jeddah emerges as a key hub for international jewelry trade.”

Bhavya Jain, partner at Bhavya Gems and Jewels, shared a similar sentiment. 

He said: “We have created special designs for Saudi women, including monumental pieces like the Makkah ring, the Madinah mosque ring, and pendants inspired by mosque architecture. We also focused on stones that appeal to local tastes, such as turquoise, malachite and lapis. 

“������Ƶ presents a tremendous opportunity for us. Although we are new to this market, we have spent the past year researching it and are optimistic about the response to our collections. 

“We offer jewelry in a variety of stones, and we’ve noticed that younger Saudi women, particularly Gen Z, are increasingly drawn to colored gemstones over traditional 18 or 22 carat gold. Our new collection introduces these trending colors while respecting local preferences.”

For exhibitors with an established presence in the Gulf, Jeddah offered a valuable B2B platform. 

Abhishek Agarwal, director at Radhey Fine Jewelry DMCC, said: “Jeddah is a diverse and dynamic market. We’ve participated in Gulf exhibitions since 2004 and know the preferences of customers across the region. While gold remains popular, high-end diamond jewelry attracts buyers looking for unique, investment-grade pieces. Our Indian design and manufacturing teams ensure that each collection meets both local and international standards, and SAJEX gives us the perfect platform to expand our reach across ������Ƶ and the GCC.”

Saudi designers and women entrepreneurs were also prominently featured, highlighting the growing local contribution to the industry. Princess Nourah Al-Faisal, founder of Nuun Jewels, emphasized the significance of institutional support. 

“Traditionally in ������Ƶ, design, especially jewelry design has often been seen as a female-dominated field, but the reality is that jewelry should be recognized as a significant industry rather than just a design segment. 

“Although jewelry design falls under the Fashion Commission and the Ministry of Culture, it has historically received less attention compared to other fashion sectors, almost like a ‘lonely child’ in the middle that no one knows how to place. 

“This event, however, is an important signal from the Ministry of Investment, acknowledging jewelry as a key industry, which I greatly appreciate. I have been in the jewelry business for over 30 years, traveling frequently around the world to collaborate with my partners, most of whom are Indian, so it is a joy to finally see them here in ������Ƶ.”

She added: “This is only the beginning, a first step but it sets the stage for developing the local industry. The expertise and knowledge brought by our international partners are invaluable, and I cannot imagine a better collaboration as we build ������Ƶ’s jewelry market. 

“My panel discussion was also largely focused on investment, and as someone who represents the local clientele, I aimed to provide insights into the preferences and expectations of Saudi consumers for the international exhibitors to connect with.” 

Regional comparisons were a recurring theme for many participants, highlighting the particular opportunities in ������Ƶ. 

Asim Bafleh, managing director of UAE-based Bafleh Jewelry, explained: “Dubai is a truly global market, attracting buyers from the USA, Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond, and catering to every taste and carat preference, from 14-carat to high-end pieces. 

“In contrast, ������Ƶ’s market is currently focused on local customers, which makes SAJEX an important platform to understand their preferences. The Saudi market is substantial, with strong demand for specific designs such as heavy bead sets. 

“Unlike Dubai, where diversity drives the market, in ������Ƶ buyers tend to favor distinctive pieces, often larger sets and beads, whether Italian, Turkish, or Indian in style. This event allows us to focus entirely on Saudi customers and tailor our offerings to suit their tastes.”

Naman Mutha, of Dubai-based Shrey International, said: “������Ƶ is emerging as an important market for colored gemstone jewelry. While we supply other Middle Eastern countries, we had not previously focused on Saudi buyers. 

“Now, the market is increasingly importing a variety of colored gemstones, and we saw an opportunity to grow our B2B presence here. Our collections include semi-precious stones like Tanzanite alongside classic emerald, sapphire and diamond pieces. 

“We focus on modern jewelry that balances local taste with contemporary design and Saudi customers are appreciating more classic, graphically simple diamond jewelry, similar to what we see succeed in Dubai. SAJEX allows us to connect with retailers and buyers who value both heritage and innovation in their collections.”

Beyond jewelry, the exhibition also highlighted innovation in packaging. Kunal Jain, co-founder of Prashnath Boxes, said: “We are showcasing unique packaging styles such as bags, pocket boxes and engraved boxes, which elevate the presentation of jewelry beyond the usual gold packaging here.”

With Vision 2030 driving economic diversification and fostering international partnerships, Jeddah is steadily establishing itself as a serious contender in the global jewelry trade. 

SAJEX 2025 served not only as a marketplace but also as a platform for cultural exchange, investment and collaboration, signaling a new era for the Saudi jewelry industry.