Sharjah - MENA Herald: Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated on Tuesday the 41st edition of the MidEast Watch & Jewellery show. More than 500 exhibitors from around the world are taking part at the event, held till October 1st at the, in Expo Centre Sharjah, in an area covering 30,000 m2 .
His Highness was received by HE Khawla Al Mulla, Chairperson of the Sharjah Consultative Council, HE Abdullah bin Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, alongside a number of the SCCI’s board members, HE Saif Mohamed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah and a number of dignitaries, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and senior representatives of the gold and jewelry community.
HH Sheikh Abdullah cut the ribbon for opening of the exhibition. After that, His Highness 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. His Highness 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.
At the end of the tour, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, honored HE Khawla Al Mulla, Chairperson of the Sharjah Consultative Council, HE Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Al Humadi, the Consul of Qatar in Dubai and the Commercial Affairs Assistant in the Philippine General Consulate in Dubai.
His Highness received a commemorative plaque from the SCCI Board of Directors in appreciation HH’s generous support and opening the 41st edition of the MidEast Watch & Jewellery show.
Latest designs
His Excellency Abdullah Sultan Al Owais said: "The MidEast Watch & Jewellery show reflects the leading position of Sharjah in the trade shows and exhibitions industry which aim at promoting the trade and commerce in the Emirate of Sharjah and the region. 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. It serves, also, as an excellent networking opportunity for gold and jewellery dealers from across the world, where they can meet, share experiences and do business. This reflects the role played by the SCCI in stimulating different economic sectors"
Al Owais noted that the Show coincides with the resurgence of the jewellery market in the UAE, which recorded a 6% 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 stabilizing the size of gold sales, according to the estimates of the International Studies and Research Agency "Euromonitor".
Al Owais praised the increase in the number of exhibitors adding that the UAE is considered the centre of gold jewellery and diamonds in the region. He noted that the Show is an ideal destination for many regional and world watch and jewellery makers to display their latest collections in the Middle East. He 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.
His Excellency Saif Mohamed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah said: "The MidEast Watch & Jewellery show 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.”
Big turnout
The CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah said that the current edition witnesses a large number of participants because of the premium position of the MidEast Watch & Jewellery 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. Exhibitors of the show include the most prominent global brands in watchmaking and jewellery whose products areinspired by contemporary designs and the latest trends in jewellery and gems.
Al Midfa praised the UAE’s exhibitions industry which directly supports the economy of Emirate of Sharjah and supports tourism, trade and investment, along with a number of industry-related sectors, such as hospitality, transportation, events and marketing services. This consequently leads to advancing the role of this important sector in diversifying income sources and attracting millions of visitors annually to the Emirate."
Seminars
During the 5 days of the show a series of seminars and lectures will be offered by the International Gemological Institute (IGI), to discuss the latest trends and developments in global jewellery industry, IGI will also give a free verbal consultation and advises to consumers and traders on the clarity of the Diamond jewelleries, and will issue a certificate for diamonds and studded jewelleries from its laboratories upon request.
National pavilions
A large number of national pavilions are participating in this year's edition of the Show.
The main participating countries are: United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium, Russia, Lithuania, Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Yemen, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore and Thailand.
Diamond deals
Gold and diamond jewellery lovers will get the opportunity to see carefully selected items from all around the world. A wide variety of handmade jewellery designs , which combine tradition and modernity, are also expected to attract thousands of luxury-seeking visitors and the creative designs will cater to their different tastes .
The MidEast Watch & Jewellery show is organized by the Expo Center Sharjah twice a year, and is considered the perfect destination for jewellery fans who are introduced to the latest traditional and modern jewellery designs, watches, gold and diamond exhibits.
Daily raffle draws
During the show’s 41st edition visitors will be offered great surprises and the daily raffle draws will allow them to win diamond jewellery sets, watches and other valuable gifts.
The MidEast Watch & Jewellery show 2016 is open to the public daily from noon until 10 p.m. except on Friday, September, 30th, the show will open its door for visitors from 4 p.m. till 10 p.m.. On Wednesday, September 28, the show will open exclusively for ladies from noon to 4 pm.
Parking at the show and admission are free.
