MidEast Watch and Jewellery show kicks off

A lady showing kundan necklace made with gold and uncut diamonds at the watch and jewellery show in Sharjah on Tuesday.

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