Sharjah jewellery show scores impressive success‏

The 40th MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show turned out to be a grand celebration at Expo Centre Sharjah as hundreds of master jewellers, tens of thousands of trade and general buyers and industry executives joined in the festivities from April 5 to 9, 2016.

An extensive marketing drive, a series of special attractions and an exclusive showcase of specially chosen gold and diamond jewellery ensured that the show once again reinforced its status as the most popular jewellery event in the region.

Apart from attracting 57,180 visitors during its five-day run, a close to 15% rise in the turnout from the previous spring edition, the MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show left a lasting impression on participants, who were all praise for the show management, quality of visitors and sales & business leads received.

“The 40th MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show was indeed a milestone in terms of publicity generated for the event, exhibitor and visitor numbers and their positive feedback, the impact it had on the regional and global jewellery industry and media coverage. The success is sweeter this time because it came at a difficult time, as we had to work harder to bring in more exhibitors, inspire visitors and instil confidence and optimism in them,” said Mr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry & Expo Centre Sharjah.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the show featured nearly 500 exhibitors and brands at 30,000 sq. metres of exhibition space at all the six halls at Expo Centre.

“We are delighted that we could successfully provide a great experience to every visitor and exhibitor. We are happy to note that exhibitor and visitor satisfaction has been quite high and our key partners have shown interest in expanding their ties with us. The exhibitor retention rate is quite high and this time too we have started receiving bookings for the next edition of the show,” said Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.

For Dhamani Jewels, which had been taking part in the show right from its first edition in 1993 and had not missed a single edition, the show was an amazing experience. “It was a great opportunity to connect with our customers. We primarily targeted GCC customers with our bridal collections, and we noticed that customers are now looking for more wearable, smaller sets than before,” said Mr. Manish Dhamani, Director-Retail, Dhamani Jewels.

Kara Gold & Diamond described the show as the best organized event in the Middle East, while Brilliant Diamond reported great customer response, Sphere Jewellery from Thailand received more trade buyers than before and Color Tech found it a good platform to showcase its jewellery to a discerning audience.

Meanwhile, key partners of Expo Centre Sharjah expressed their willingness to expand their participation for future editions of the show. Top officials and executives of industry associations and government entities from countries like Italy, Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand held talks with Expo Centre in this regard.

They included Mr. Giorgio Aguzzi, Vice-President, National Confederation for the Craft Sector and Small and Medium Enterprises (CNA), Italy; Mr. Sauro Servadei, of Artex, which organises the Italian Pavilion at the show; and Mr. Wings Cheung, General Manager, Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers’ Association.

“The Italian Pavilion hosted 29 exhibitors and, in a first, we also had the Italian Lounge, which was quite unique for a jewellery show. Regional customers know the value and craftsmanship of our works and it was no wonder that all exhibitors received good response,” said Mr. Servadei.

Mr. Siripol Yodmuangcharoen, Chairman of Gem and Jewelry Institute (GIT) of Thailand, and Ms. Pornsawat Wathanakul, Director, GIT, during their meeting with the organisers, explored the possibilities of instituting a jewellery designer award and facilitating gems testing and certification during the show next time.

For visitors, the show offered a premium experience. Right from the best and finest collections of gold and diamond jewellery, the show also scored high on ambiance, providing a festive atmosphere inside the halls. There was live music, the halls were specially decorated, and the pleasant whiff of carefully chosen Arabian perfume wafted through the boulevard.

“It was a memorable event. In fact I had the best of the jewellery from across the world to choose from. There was traditional works from India, the world’s most beautiful and sought-after jewellery from Italy, and handcrafted and creative designs from several other countries,” said Fatema, a visitor from Dubai.

The world’s largest gold ring -- the 58.686 kg Star of Taiba -- and a gold dress -- the 1 kg, 21 karat Princess of Taiba – and the world’s most valuable guitar—the US$2 million Eden of Coronet Diamond Guitar that is embellished with 400ct diamonds and 1.6 kg of 18k gold were star attractions inside the halls.

Another special attraction was the daily raffle draw that offered fabulous prizes. On every purchase of Dhs 500, visitors had the chance to qualify for raffle draw. The next edition is scheduled to take place from 27th September to 1st October 2016.