Business & Money | Tuesday 6 September, 2016 10:49 am |

After the extraordinary success of its landmark 40th edition, the region’s most popular watch and jewellery show is once again set to cast its magic on jewellery lovers.

 

The 41st MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show will bring global spotlight on the regional jewellery market and its celebrated passion for gold and diamond creations from September 27 to October 1 this year at Expo Centre Sharjah.

 

“With the 40th edition creating a history of sorts for the regional jewellery industry and a fantastic experience for jewellery lovers, expectations are pretty high for the 41st MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show. We have set the bar higher for the upcoming show, with an extensive marketing drive, several special attractions and the finest gold and diamond jewellery from across the world,” said H.E. Abdalla Sultan Mohamed Al Owais, Chairman, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry & Expo Centre Sharjah.

 

A special committee, headed by H.E. Owais, has been set up to chalk out a massive promotional campaign. The SCCI committee includes Second Deputy Chairman H.E. Walid Abdulrahman Bukhatir and Board Members H.E.  Ziyad Mohmoud Khairalla Al Haji and H.E.  Mohamed Ali Hilal Al Hazami and H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.

 

The show will be held under the patronage of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and see participation from some of the best known global jewellery houses and designers, and feature National Pavilions, daily raffle draws and prizes for visitors.

 

Some of the 500 participants who have booked their space are highly optimistic about the show, given that global gold demand has reached 2,336 tons through the first six months of the year, led by investment demand — representing a record 1,064 tons, according to the World Gold Council.

 

The growing demand has driven the price of gold up 27% this year, marking the best first-half performance since 1980, and the forecast for gold remains positive, with the metal expected to trade in the range of US$ 1300-US$ 1400 at the end of the year. At the start of 2016, gold was trading at US$ 1060.

 

“Though the market here is less price sensitive, steep price rises in the recent past have kept at least some customers away from gold. Now, less volatile prices and safe haven buying are likely to attract more jewellery lovers and investors to gold... and what better place than the MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show to mix your passion with pragmatism,” said Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.

 

Besides one of the largest showcases of gold and diamond jewellery in the region, National Pavilions from India, Hong Kong, Italy, Lebanon, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and China will continue to be the main attraction at the show. Add to this the immensely popular daily raffle draw that offers amazing prizes to lucky winners.

 

The show profile will include gold and diamond jewellery, cut and uncut gemstones, gem sets, precious and semi-precious jewellery, antique and customised jewellery and branded watches and clocks. The exhibitors will occupy 30,000 sq.m. of space in all the six halls at Expo Centre Sharjah, while close to 60,000 visitors are expected during the five-day event. The previous edition of the show had attracted 57,180 visitors.

 

The show will be held from 27th September to 1st October at Expo Centre Sharjah and the exhibition timings will be from 12 noon to 10 pm daily, except Friday, 30th September. Friday it will be open from 4 pm to 10 pm.  There will also be exclusive ladies only timings from 12 noon to 4 pm on Wednesday, 28th September.  The admission is free for all.