Khaleej Times

MidEast Watch and Jewellery show kicks off

500+ exhibitors from around the world showcasing the global brands in watchmakin­g and jewellery

- Abdul Basit

sharjah — The 41st edition of the MidEast Watch and Jewellery show kicked off on Tuesday where more than 500 exhibitors from around the world are showcasing the most prominent global brands in watchmakin­g and jewellery.

Shaikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurate­d the five-day exhibition organised by the Expo Centre Sharjah twice a year.

After the inaugurati­on, Shaikh Abdullah toured the exhibition pavilions and was introduced to the latest global developmen­ts and exhibits in the watches and jewellery sector.

These included contempora­ry designs of the world’s most luxurious brands of watches and jewellery studded with gold, diamonds and gems. Shaikh Abdullah praised the participat­ion of prominent watch and jewellery manufactur­ers and designers and specialist­s from around the world who revealed their latest collection in the show.

The MidEast Watch & Jewellery show allows exhibitors to sell directly to the visitors who will have the opportunit­y to see a wide range of jewellery, watches, diamonds, pearls, precious stones and gem stones showcased by the most prestigiou­s renowned brands from around the world. It is considered a perfect destinatio­n for jewellery fans who are introduced to the latest traditiona­l and modern jewellery designs, watches, gold and diamond exhibits.

Abdullah bin Sultan Al Owais, chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the show reflects the leading position of Sharjah in the trade shows and exhibition­s industry. He said that the trade fairs also aim to support various business sectors that consider Sharjah as a platform to expand into the regional market and access global markets.

The show coincides with the resurgence of the jewellery market in the UAE, which recorded a six per cent growth in demand since the beginning of the 2016. After gold prices fell in the last quarter of 2014, consumers were more cautious when it came to purchasing gold.

The drop in gold prices also resulted in an increase of promotiona­l offers and let to a more intense competitio­n, thus stabilisin­g the size of gold sales, according to the estimates of the Internatio­nal Studies and Research Agency “Euromonito­r”.

Al Owais said that the show expects a remarkable turnout due to the unique pieces being showcased which will be launched exclusivel­y during the exhibition and the large number of visitors from across the region who visit the show every year.

Saif Mohamed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah said the event is one of the most prominent shows in the emirate which witnesses a big turnout.

“Sharjah’s unique position in the regional and global market has created a special interest in luxury products.” The CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah said that the current edition witnesses a large number of participan­ts because of the premium position of the show. Exhibitors have in the past achieved great success due to the overwhelmi­ng turnout by gold and jewellery fans jewellery who come to the show to see the latest products and who are attracted by the global developmen­ts in this industry.

— abdulbasit@khaleejtim­es.com

 ?? Photo by M. Sajjad ?? A lady showing kundan necklace made with gold and uncut diamonds at the watch and jewellery show.—
Photo by M. Sajjad A lady showing kundan necklace made with gold and uncut diamonds at the watch and jewellery show.—

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