Five-Day Jewellery Show Opens At Expo Centre Sharjah

Sharjah, 01st October 2013

A series of positive factors such as low gold prices, upcoming festive season and rising consumer confidence has set a scorching pace for sales at the region's most anticipated jewellery fair that got under way in Sharjah on Tuesday (October 1, 2013).

The MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show opened on an upbeat note at Expo Centre Sharjah, with exhibitors taking part in the show expecting better visitor turnout and robust sales during the five-day show.

The show was opened by H.E. Sheikh Khalid Bin Abdullah Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Chairman of Sharjah Sea Ports and Customs. The opening ceremony was attended by Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry & Expo Centre Sharjah; Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah; officials, dignitaries and industry representatives.

“The MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show has perhaps never had such a perfect timing in its history — right from the upcoming festive season to one of the lowest gold prices and an economy that is back to its past glory. The second quarter had seen good demand for jewellery and after a lull in the summer months, the show will sure set the pace for sales in the last quarter,” said Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa.

Gold is trading around US$1,320 an ounce, some US$600 below its September 2011 record high of US$1,920.30 an ounce, making it highly attractive for jewellery lovers.

Featuring more than 450 exhibitors representing master jewellers and some of the leading jewellery chains from across the world, the 35th edition of the show is being held under the patronage of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. It will run until October 5, 2013.

“For the first time, the MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show will host the Italian Art Pavilion, featuring creations of Maurizio Fusari that are inspired by themes and motifs associated with the region,” said Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa.

Some of the premium creations that are being displayed at the Italian Art Pavilion include ‘Aisan Al Arab', the design of which is based on Arabian horses, the ‘Rawda' inspired by the Arab garden, and the complex ‘Baab Al Hajj' jewel that denotes the pilgrimage to Makkah.

Another exciting component of the show is the Thailand Pavilion. Being organized for the second time by Vega Intertrade & Exhibition in cooperation with Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association, the Thailand Pavilion is showcasing dazzling gold & diamond jewellery under the brand ‘Ploi Thai'. National Pavilions at the show include Hong Kong-China, India, Italy, Malaysia & Singapore.

“Aiming to add more value, the show is featuring seminars, organized by Gemology Institute of America, targeting those interested in knowing what actually goes into the making of their stunning jewellery designs,” added Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa.

A 45-minute seminar will be held by prominent gemologist Ziad Khaled at 6pm on all five days of the show on topics like understanding diamonds, emeralds, pearls, rubies and sapphires. Each session will be followed by a Q&A session where visitors can raise their queries and clear doubts with the gemologist.