Under the patronage of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the 43rd edition of the Middle East Watch and Jewellery Show opened today at the Sharjah Expo Centre.

Sheikh Khaled Bin Abdullah Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Seaports and Customs, inaugurated the show which is being attended by over 500 exhibitors including world-renowned international brands in the field of worked gold, diamonds, precious stones, pearls, watches, and more.

Sheikh Khaled various pavilions at the show and spoke to a number of exhibitors and officials of the national pavilions. He was accompanied by Abdullah bin Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah.

Commending the event, Sheikh Khaled said that the scale of participation in the show affirms the standing and growing importance of the event to international companies seeking to expand and boost their presence in the UAE and the region.

He also commended the excellent organisation and the level of sophisticated services provided by Expo Centre Sharjah to exhibitors and visitors alike. Sheikh Khaled noted that the success of the event reflects Sharjah’s commitment to bolstering its reputation and position as a leading economic hub for trade, business, and investment in various sectors.

Abdullah Al Owais said that the show is one of the most significant economic events that contribute substantially to fostering competition in the gold, jewellery, and watches industry in the UAE and its importance on the global trade map. This is further asserted by the fact that the UAE accounts for 14 percent of the world’s gold trade, with the country’s gold trade volumes growing to AED244.3 billion in 2016.

Al Midfa added that for the first time, Emirati designers are having their own pavilion at the show, showcasing both Arabian as well as modern and contemporary designs, and marking their foray into a field that is vital to the regional economy and lifestyle.

The show is open to visitors from midday to 10.00 p.m. throughout the week, with the exception of Thursday and Friday. Wednesday is dedicated exclusively to women.