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RIYADH: At the upcoming “Jewels of the World” exhibition, on-site value added tax refunds will be available to international visitors through a partnership with Global Blue.

The event is scheduled to run from Oct. 3-7 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh with over 100 international brands participating. It will then move to the Jeddah Hilton from Oct. 11-14.

A development at this year’s event is the availability of these on-site VAT refunds.

“This signals ��������’s seriousness to become a global luxury tourism hub,” said Nader Freiha, director of the event.

“By making shopping in Riyadh more attractive for international visitors, we are positioning the Kingdom as a leading destination for high-end showcases.”

Freiha told Arab News that the implementation was achieved in coordination with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority and Global Blue.

According to Freiha, the initiative aligns with international brand interest in the Saudi market.

“With global trade shifts, many brands are redirecting focus to the Kingdom, where demand is robust and the clientele is sophisticated,” he said.

The event will feature a mix of established houses and emerging designers. Regarding trends, Freiha pointed to a blend of global styles and an interest in natural pearls, which connect with the region’s heritage.

“The demand from international brands to access this market has never been higher,” Freiha said.

“When asked to characterize the current international appetite for the Saudi luxury consumer, it’s clear we’ve moved beyond curiosity to a strategic imperative,” he added.

“The most surprising aspect of curating the ‘biggest showcase of independent Italian jewellers’ hasn’t just been the quality, but the specific desire of these artisans to build long-term brand recognition in Riyadh, not just make sales.”

In the lead-up to this edition, the excitement is genuinely balanced, but for different reasons, Freiha noted. 

“The established houses bring a sense of legacy and security, while the independent designers are generating a palpable buzz with their unique stories and avant-garde designs. It’s the difference between acquiring a masterpiece and discovering a future heirloom.”

He highlighted a fusion of influences. “The most striking trend is the move towards bold, architectural forms that still incorporate cultural motifs, particularly a renewed fascination with rare natural pearls and vibrant, sculptural emeralds. It’s a dialogue between heritage and futurism.”