Italy brings 34 jewelry houses to Sharjah as UAE exports hit €1.3 billion

The Italian Trade Agency will showcase 34 Italian jewelry companies at the Watch & Jewellery Middle East Show in Sharjah from June 10 to 14, 2026, as Italy deepens ties with one of its biggest Gulf markets. Italian jewelry exports to the UAE reached €1.3 billion in 2025, and Italy’s market share rose to 8% in early 2026.

Why it matters: - Italian jewelry remains a major export category in the UAE market, with €1.3 billion in shipments to the Emirates in 2025. - Italy’s share of UAE jewelry imports rose to 8% in January-February 2026, up from 5.48% in January 2025. - The Sharjah show gives Italian brands a direct sales channel to buyers across the Gulf.

What happened: - The Italian Trade Agency will lead an official national pavilion at the 57th Watch & Jewellery Middle East Show at Expo Centre Sharjah from June 10 to 14, 2026. - The pavilion will feature 34 Italian jewelry companies. - The delegation includes manufacturers from Valenza, Florence and Naples. - Italy is using the exhibition to expand its commercial footprint across the GCC.

The details: - The Watch & Jewellery Middle East Show is a long-running regional trade exhibition for manufacturers, wholesalers, importers, retailers and industry professionals. - Italian exhibitors are targeting buyers of alta gioielleria, diamond-set pieces, 18-carat and 22-carat gold jewelry and artisan silverware. - Italian jewelry exports to the UAE totaled €1.3 billion in January-December 2025, up 12.6% year over year. - That increase amounted to an additional €153 million versus the prior year. - Gold spot prices on international markets helped drive the higher export value. - Italy exported €194 million in jewelry to the UAE in the first two months of 2026. - Lower global gold values reduced declared customs valuations across supplying countries during that period. - The Italian pavilion is positioned as a showcase of Made-in-Italy craftsmanship, design and goldsmithing.

Between the lines: - The export figures suggest that Italian jewelry is holding share even as global commodity prices reshape reported trade values. - Italy’s improved market share points to stronger relative demand, not just higher prices. - The concentration of suppliers from key goldsmithing districts signals a push to reinforce Italy’s premium positioning rather than compete on volume alone. - Ambassador Lorenzo Fanara said the show could strengthen commercial and cultural ties between Italy and the UAE. - Trade Commissioner Valerio Soldani said UAE buyers continue to choose Italian jewelry for craftsmanship, origin and design mastery.

What’s next: - Italian manufacturers will use the Sharjah show to meet qualified buyers and pursue new distribution partnerships. - ITA will continue its strategy to build Italy’s commercial presence in the GCC. - The exhibition could help consolidate Italy’s role as a leading jewelry supplier to the UAE.

The bottom line: - Italy is arriving in Sharjah with export momentum, a larger UAE market share and a bigger pavilion, all aimed at defending and expanding a premium jewelry position in the Gulf. - More information is available in the Italian Trade Agency announcement.