Dubai: The five-day Familiarization (FAM) Program by GJEPC’s India Jewellery Exposition Centre (IJEX), Dubai, provided Indian jewellery exporters with comprehensive insights into the Middle East market, focusing on regional dynamics, consumer preferences, and retail environments across the UAE.
The 6th batch of the IJEX FAM Programme, initiated and facilitated under GJEPC’s Export Mentorship Programme (EMP), delivered a structured five-day immersion into the UAE jewellery ecosystem, combining market intelligence, design orientation, logistics guidance, and extensive retail visits across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Participants consistently highlighted the programme’s practical value, mentorship, and clarity in building export readiness.
Day 1: Understanding the Middle East Landscape:
The programme commenced at IJEX with an introduction session followed by a presentation on navigating the Middle East jewellery market, covering regional dynamics, consumer preferences across emirates, export opportunities, and positioning strategies across wholesale and retail segments. Delegates then visited Ithraa Wholesale & Retail, Goldcenter Building, Gold House, Jewel Plaza, Traditional Gold Souq, African Souq, and Gold Land, together representing around 475 retailers and 460 offices, giving participants a broad view of both wholesale and traditional trading ecosystems.
Akshit Dhameliya, Grown Carbon, noted that the programme helped convert his export vision into practical reality, describing IJEX as a strong foundation for his goal of becoming an exporter.
Day 2: New Dubai Retail and Design Insights:
A designer interaction session focused on branding, cultural motifs, and regional aesthetics relevant to GCC consumers. Market visits to Mall of the Emirates, Lulu Hypermarket – Al Barsha, Gold & Diamond Park, and Dubai Hills Mall allowed delegates to observe nearly 115 jewellery retailers across luxury malls, diaspora-focused outlets, and specialised diamond boutiques, highlighting differences in merchandising, product mix, and customer behaviour.
Dhaval Patel, Myora Fine Jewellery, highlighted that the programme provided valuable understanding of jewellery requirements across different markets and locations, strengthening his insight into the global jewellery ecosystem.
Day 3: Logistics, Compliance and Market Diversity:
A session by Ferrari Freight Forwarders covered import procedures, documentation, duties, and secure logistics handling. Subsequent visits to Dubai Mall, Dubai Design District (d3), Karama Centre, and Meena Bazaar brought delegates in contact with about 150 retailers, spanning ultra-luxury international brands to culturally driven Indian diaspora markets, reinforcing the diversity of customer segments within the UAE.
Madhukar Ranka, Vardhman Jewels Tech Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, described the programme as enriching and well-structured, noting that the combination of sessions and market visits created strong learning even for participants aspiring to enter international markets.
Day 4: Abu Dhabi Market Exploration:
Visits to Madinat Zayed Gold Centre, Hamdan Street, and Abu Dhabi Mall covered roughly 132 jewellery stores, offering insights into the capital’s consumer preferences across luxury, traditional Arabic styles, and price-sensitive segments. Delegates reported improved clarity in identifying suitable positioning and product strategies for different emirates.
Kumarpal Jain, SSP Jewels Pvt. Ltd., emphasised that the team’s continuous support and responsiveness helped participants understand retailer networks and market opportunities, adding that he would consider establishing an office presence after gaining more experience in the region.
Day 5: Strategy Alignment and Expansion:
The final day focused on one-to-one consultations with the IJEX team, followed by a certificate ceremony and a visit to Sharjah Blue Souq, where delegates explored around 110 jewellery stores known for 18kt, 21kt, and 22kt gold, diamonds, and silver collections, further expanding their understanding of regional demand across the Northern Emirates.
Priyanka Jalan, Ouro Jewels, stated that the programme was thoughtfully planned and provided a clear understanding of the ecosystem while creating meaningful opportunities, appreciating the leadership and support extended by the IJEX team throughout the experience.
Overall, participants described the programme as informative, well-organised, and strongly supportive, with several stating that the experience provided clarity, confidence, and a concrete roadmap for entering export markets through IJEX.
