Italian jewelry exports to UAE top 1.3 billion euros

Italy is bringing 34 jewelry companies to the Middle East Watches and Jewellery Show in Sharjah from June 10-14, 2026, as exports to the UAE continue to grow. The event comes as Italian jewelry sales to the UAE reached 1.3 billion euros in 2025 and Italy raised its market share early in 2026 despite weaker gold prices. Why it matters: - The UAE remains one of the most important markets for Italian jewelry. - Strong demand in Dubai and Sharjah supports Italy’s export base even as global gold prices move lower. - The trade fair gives Italian makers direct access to high-end buyers, distributors and retailers in the Gulf. What happened: - The Italian Trade Agency is participating in the 57th Middle East Watches and Jewellery Show at Expo Centre Sharjah from June 10 to 14, 2026. - The agency is leading a national pavilion with 34 Italian jewelry companies. - The pavilion highlights Italian expertise in goldsmithing and jewelry design. The details: - The Italian presence at the show includes companies focused on fine jewelry, high-jewelry pieces, precision diamond settings, 18-karat and 22-karat gold items, and handcrafted silver products. - The Italian pavilion includes manufacturers from Valenza, Florence and Naples. - Italian Ambassador to the UAE Lorenzo Fanara said the fair can strengthen commercial and cultural ties between Italy and the UAE. - Italian jewelry exports to the UAE totaled 1.3 billion euros from January through December 2025. - That figure was up 12.6% year over year, or 153 million euros more than the previous year. - The 2025 increase was driven largely by higher spot gold prices in global markets. - In the first two months of 2026, Italian jewelry exports to the UAE reached 194 million euros. - The lower value reflected a broader decline in global gold prices, which reduced declared customs values across supplier countries. - Italy’s share of UAE jewelry imports rose to 8% in January and February 2026, from 5.48% in January 2025. Between the lines: - The jump in market share suggests Italian jewelry is holding up well even as pricing pressure weighs on reported export values. - The UAE buyer base appears to continue favoring Italian craftsmanship, design and brand recognition over cheaper alternatives. - The Italian Trade Agency is using the Sharjah fair as part of a broader push to expand commercial ties across the Gulf Cooperation Council. What’s next: - Italian companies will use the Sharjah show to meet qualified buyers, develop new distribution partnerships and deepen long-term trade relationships. - The event could help sustain Italy’s position as a key jewelry supplier to the UAE market. - The trade agency is positioning the pavilion as a showcase for “Made in Italy” jewelry to regional buyers.