Key points
- In the glittering arena of global gem and jewelry trade, Thailand continues to hold a commanding presence, weaving together heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation.
- The Kingdom, long recognized for its vibrant trading hubs in Bangkok’s Silom and Chanthaburi districts, has established itself as a premier exporter of gold jewelry, polished diamonds, and colored gemstones.
- With the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the two nations on the horizon, 2025 is projected to bring further tariff reductions and market opportunities, particularly for sustainable and digitally promoted products.
Bangkok Gems News: Thailand’s Growing Presence in Middle Eastern Luxury Markets
In the glittering arena of global gem and jewelry trade, Thailand continues to hold a commanding presence, weaving together heritage, craftsmanship, and innovation. The Kingdom, long recognized for its vibrant trading hubs in Bangkok’s Silom and Chanthaburi districts, has established itself as a premier exporter of gold jewelry, polished diamonds, and colored gemstones. Recent trade figures for 2024 and early 2025 highlight how Thailand remains deeply influential in affluent Middle Eastern markets, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Kuwait. This Bangkok Gems News report shows that the nation’s gem and jewelry exports surged by an extraordinary 91.6% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, achieving a record-breaking $14.02 billion in value. This growth reflects not only the enduring demand for Thai artistry but also the Kingdom’s strategic ability to adapt to shifting consumer trends and international competition.
Thai manufactured jewelry is renowned in the Middle-East for its exquisite craftmanship
Image Credit: Fancy Collection Company Limited
https://www.fancycollection.co
Thailand’s export portfolio, once heavily dominated by gold jewelry and polished diamonds, is now diversifying. Gold remains a cornerstone, but polished precious and semiprecious stones, costume jewelry, and unwrought gold have steadily expanded their share. This balance ensures resilience against fluctuating gold prices and evolving consumer preferences in Gulf markets where tradition meets modern luxury.
The UAE Partnership – A Story of Strength and Adaptation
Thailand’s evolving partnership with the UAE underscores its position as both a trusted supplier and strategic trade partner. Back in 2022, Thailand ranked as the UAE’s 21st largest supplier with $3.19 billion in total exports. By 2024, this figure rose to $3.63 billion, reflecting steady expansion despite a drop in ranking due to surging imports from China and India. What stands out is not a decline in competitiveness but Thailand’s ability to maintain relevance in one of the world’s most competitive markets.
In 2024, the UAE stood as Thailand’s 8th largest market for gems and jewelry, with exports valued at $264.56 million. Though gold jewelry exports fell by 2.23% and polished diamonds declined sharply by 34.9%, growth in other areas offset the losses. Polished precious stones rose by 10.41%, while semiprecious stones saw a remarkable 34.83% increase. These figures highlight Thailand’s calculated shift towards variety, catering to the diverse preferences of the UAE’s wealthy locals, expatriates, and tourists.
Walking through Dubai’s iconic Gold Souk, it is common to see Thai-designed jewelry—pieces that merge traditional motifs such as lotus flowers and elephants with sleek, contemporary designs—standing proudly alongside European luxury brands. Beyond jewelry, unwrought gold shipments soared to $1.44 billion in 2023, securing Thailand’s role as a vital raw material supplier to UAE refiners. With the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the two nations on the horizon, 2025 is projected to bring further tariff reductions and market opportunities, particularly for sustainable and digitally promoted products.
Thai manufactured jewelry can be found across various jewelry retail hubs in the various Gulf countries
Image Credit: AI-Generated
Bahrain – A Market Steeped in Tradition and Gold
Bahrain, often called the pearl of the Persian Gulf, has a jewelry culture rooted in heritage and extravagance. Thailand’s exports to Bahrain totaled $179.28 million in 2024, an increase from earlier years and a clear indication of growing bilateral trade. While Thailand may not rank among Bahrain’s top 10 trading partners—China and Saudi Arabia dominate—its role in jewelry remains highly significant.
Gold jewelry, in particular, defines Thailand’s exports to Bahrain. The island nation’s consumers prize ornate 22-karat gold pieces, often for weddings, festivals, and generational gifts. This cultural preference has created a stable demand that Thai artisans, known for blending modern technology with traditional craftsmanship, are perfectly positioned to satisfy.
In 2022, Thailand was the 8th largest jewelry supplier to Bahrain, holding steady in subsequent years. Jewelry imports into Bahrain grew by 24% that year, reaching $657 million, with gold jewelry representing nearly one-third of the total. By early 2025, the trajectory remains positive. Bahraini jewelers continue sourcing directly from Thailand, where factories combine laser-cutting precision with centuries-old hand-engraving skills.
The future looks promising. Bahrain’s jewelry retail market is projected to surpass $2.43.81 billion in 2025 with consistent annual growth above 5% through 2026. As Bahrain invests heavily in luxury tourism and global exhibitions, Thai jewelers stand to benefit from increased visibility, strengthening their foothold in this niche yet lucrative market.
Kuwait – Competition and Opportunity in Equal Measure
Kuwait, another gold-loving nation in the Gulf, presents both challenges and opportunities for Thailand. Overall exports to Kuwait reached $417.84 million in 2024, rising from $388 million in 2023. Yet in the jewelry sector, Thailand’s ranking slipped from 5th place in 2022 to 13th in 2024, reflecting stiff competition from India, Switzerland, and Turkey.
Jewelry exports to Kuwait stood at $25 million in 2023, with gold jewelry, costume pieces, and colored stones forming the bulk. Kuwait’s market favors lavish gold jewelry—over half of its $478 million jewelry imports in 2022 were gold pieces. Thailand’s rubies, sapphires, and diamond-studded designs resonate with these tastes, but the Kingdom must innovate to regain market share.
Kuwait’s jewelry market is expected to expand to $1.175 billion by 2025, fueled by rising incomes and the growth of e-commerce. Thai jewelers can seize this opportunity by offering sustainable sourcing options, collaborating with local designers, and promoting their colored gemstone expertise. While rankings may fluctuate, the strength of Thailand’s colored gems ensures a steady demand base and potential rebound.
Future Outlook – Trends Shaping Thai Dominance
The path forward for Thailand’s gem and jewelry industry in the Middle East is shaped by several powerful trends. Sustainability is at the forefront, with growing demand for lab-grown diamonds, ethical sourcing, and eco-friendly collections. Digital transformation will also play a major role. Local gemstone and jewellery wholesalers need to get onboard fast on this digital and AI-driven wave to remain competitive.
Economic stability in Gulf states, supported by oil wealth, continues to drive luxury spending, though fluctuations in global prices remain a challenge. With the UAE already advancing toward a tariff-reducing trade pact, Thailand stands to deepen its market penetration across the region. The country’s reputation for blending artistry, affordability, and authenticity ensures continued competitiveness against global heavyweights.
A Lasting Sparkle in the Gulf
Thailand’s enduring success in the Middle East markets of the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait underscores a narrative of adaptability, tradition, and cultural exchange. What began as a dominance rooted in gold jewelry and polished diamonds has expanded into a more resilient and diversified portfolio that can withstand market volatility. In 2025, with gem and jewelry exports already soaring by more than 90% in the first half of the year, the Kingdom is on track for historic highs.
More importantly, the story is not only about trade figures but also about artistry and heritage. Thai craftsmanship connects with Middle Eastern opulence, producing jewelry that transcends borders and tells stories of shared luxury traditions. As Gulf states invest in tourism, luxury retail, and cultural showcases, Thailand’s artisans are poised to shine even brighter. For traders, consumers, and jewelers, the Kingdom’s gem empire remains a trusted source of quality and elegance, reinforcing its reputation as a global powerhouse in 2025 and beyond.
For the latest on Thailand’s gems and jewellery exports to the Middle-East, keep on logging to Bangkok Gems News.
