Initiative showcases the enduring strength of Made in Italy across the UAE market, with Italian exports reaching EUR 231.4 million in the first quarter of 2026
The Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and Damas Jewellery marked the success of their Hand of Gold initiative with an exclusive showcase in Dubai. This reaffirmed their shared commitment to championing Italian craftsmanship and its growing influence across the region’s luxury jewellery market.
Rooted in the longstanding relationship between Italian jewellery artistry and the Middle East’s evolving luxury market, Hand of Gold highlights how Italian creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation continue to resonate with consumers across the UAE and wider region. Through a curated presentation of collections and leading Italian jewellery houses, the initiative underscored the cultural and commercial ties that connect Italy and the UAE.
Italy remains globally recognised for its jewellery-making heritage, with generations of artisans shaping a reputation for quality and design leadership. This legacy continues to drive strong demand in the UAE, one of Italy’s most important markets for luxury goods. In 2025, Italian exports to the UAE reached EUR 1.36 billion, a 12.6% increase from 2024. During the first quarter of 2026, exports reached EUR 231.3 million, accounting for a 7.85% market share, up from 7.06% in the same period last year.
To mark the initiative, ITA and Damas hosted an exclusive gathering attended by Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of Italy to the United Arab Emirates; Valerio Soldani, Italian Trade Commissioner to the UAE and Oman; and senior leadership from Damas Jewellery. Guests explored a curated selection of collections, including Stella d’Oro, Amelia, Asala, Prisma, Farfasha, and Moda, alongside renowned Italian houses Roberto Coin and FOPE.
The collections showcased the breadth of Italian design, from contemporary forms to pieces inspired by heritage and storytelling. Collections such as Asala, crafted in Italian ateliers and inspired by Arabic culture, exemplify the spirit of Hand of Gold, demonstrating how Italian expertise and regional influences can come together to create jewellery that reflects both tradition and modern elegance.
Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of Italy to the United Arab Emirates, said:
“Italy’s reputation for craftsmanship and design excellence has been shaped over centuries and continues to resonate across the world. Partnerships such as this celebrate the enduring value of Made in Italy, while deepening the cultural and commercial bonds between Italy and the UAE.”
Valerio Soldani, Italian Trade Commissioner to the UAE and Oman, added:
“The strategic agreement signed between ITA and DAMAS represents a fundamental step for the consolidation and expansion of Italian jewelry sales in the UAE. The Italian jewelry sector has stably represented the leading item of Italian exports to the UAE for years. Recent bilateral trade data between Italy and the UAE highlights an extraordinary economic dynamism, within which our jewelry production plays a pivotal role. This collaboration with DAMAS, the country’s premier and foremost retailer in the sector, aims to significantly boost the sales and market share of ‘Made in Italy’ jewelry by providing our brands with a prestigious and unrivaled showcase in this highly sophisticated market.”
Ananthanarayanan Hariharan, Chief Executive Officer of Damas Jewellery, concluded:
“Our longstanding relationships with renowned Italian jewellery houses such as Roberto Coin and FOPE—now spanning over 15 years—reflect a shared commitment to craftsmanship, creativity, and excellence. Italian design sensibilities have shaped elements of our own collections, including Stella d’Oro and Amelia, enabling us to bring together European artistry and regional perspectives in ways that resonate with our customers.”
