The inaugural day witnessed an overwhelming response from the trade fraternity, with exhibition halls bustling with buyers, retailers, manufacturers and industry professionals from across India and overseas, setting the stage for three days of vibrant business networking and sourcing.
The show was inaugurated by Shri K. P. Abdul Salam, Group Vice Chairman, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, in the august presence of Shri Surjit Bhujabal, Member, Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs (CBIC); Shri Tawhid Abdulla, CEO, Jawhara Jewellery, Dubai; and Shri Pramod Kumar Agrawal Derewala, Chairman, National Gems & Jewellery Council of India (NGJCI), as Guests of Honour.
The distinguished guests were warmly welcomed by Shri Raju Agarwal Mangodiwala, President, Jewellers Association Jaipur; Shri Ajay Godha, Honorary Secretary; Shri Ashok Maheshwari, JAS Convenor; along with the office bearers and executive committee members of the Association.
One of the defining moments of the inaugural ceremony was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Jewellers Association Jaipur (JAJ) and the Dubai Jewellery Group (DJG), paving the way for enhanced cooperation in trade, education, market development, business networking and international collaboration between the gems and jewellery industries of Jaipur and Dubai. Following the signing, Shri Tawhid Abdulla, CEO, Jawhara Jewellery, presented a commemorative memento to Shri Raju Agarwal Mangodiwala, President, Jewellers Association Jaipur, celebrating a new chapter in India-UAE jewellery relations.
A special welcome was extended to the visiting Dubai delegation comprising Mr. Anurag Sinha, Managing Director, Al Liali Jewellery; Mr. Ashish Garg, Head – Business, KGK Group; Ms. Mamtha Maria Francis, General Manager, Dubai Jewellery Group; and Mr. Tirth Jasani, General Manager, Lumin Luxe LLC, reaffirming the growing strategic partnership between Jaipur and Dubai.
Addressing the gathering, Shri K. P. Abdul Salam applauded Jaipur's unmatched expertise in coloured gemstones, stating that the city has earned global recognition as the finest centre for gemstone cutting and craftsmanship. He encouraged the industry to continue innovating and strengthening its international presence while creating greater value for global buyers.
Shri Tawhid Abdulla welcomed stronger collaborations between Jaipur and Dubai. He encouraged Jaipur's gemstone sector to work towards developing globally recognised branded gemstone grading and certification systems, which would further elevate consumer confidence and international acceptance. He also invited Jaipur's manufacturers and exporters to explore greater business opportunities in Dubai, assuring the industry's wholehearted support in building stronger trade relations and opening new avenues for collaboration.
The opening day witnessed an exceptional business atmosphere, with packed exhibition aisles, continuous buyer interactions and enthusiastic participation from hosted buyers, domestic retailers and international delegates. Exhibitors reported encouraging enquiries and strong business interest from the very first day, reflecting the confidence the industry places in JAS as one of India's leading B2B jewellery exhibitions.
With an outstanding inaugural response and tremendous energy across the show floor, JAS 2026 has set a strong foundation for the next two days, promising even greater business opportunities, meaningful networking and international collaborations for the global gems and jewellery fraternity.