Sharjah: Expo Centre Sharjah concluded the 57th edition of the Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show, solidifying its status as a leading gold and jewellery exhibition in the UAE and the region. The event, organized by Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), spanned five days and drew over 96,000 visitors, representing a 6% increase from the previous edition.
According to Emirates News Agency, the show featured 400 exhibitors from 19 countries, including prominent global designers and manufacturers specializing in gold, diamonds, gemstones, luxury watches, and high-end jewellery. Spread over 30,000 square metres, the exhibition displayed the latest innovations in jewellery and watchmaking, featuring contemporary collections and emerging design trends by both local and international brands.
The exhibition showcased premium diamond jewellery, high-value gold, platinum, silver pieces, coloured gemstones, and pearls. This year's edition also spotlighted global industry trends with specialised displays of laboratory-grown diamonds, precious metals, and jewellery manufacturing and packaging technologies.
A notable highlight was an extraordinary gold dress valued at AED5 million, recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's most expensive gold dress. Presented by Al Romaizan Gold and Jewellery, the dress, crafted from over 10 kilograms of 21-carat pure gold, was publicly displayed for the first time, drawing significant attention from visitors.
The show witnessed intensified competition among gold and jewellery retailers, with participating companies offering promotional deals to boost sales, such as VAT cost absorption on selected jewellery products, discounts ranging from 60% to 75% on diamond jewellery, and reduced manufacturing fees on gold ornaments.
The exhibition attracted strong international participation, including exhibitors from China, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Turkyie, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as eight Arab countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Lebanon, and Yemen. It featured five prominent international pavilions from Italy, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand, offering visitors access to diverse design philosophies and premium collections blending European elegance with Asian luxury.
Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, highlighted that the 57th edition represented a strategic vision to evolve the exhibition beyond a seasonal event into a comprehensive economic platform, aiming to strengthen its role in shaping the regional gold and jewellery trade landscape.
The Italian pavilion, led by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), marked a significant presence as the largest pavilion at the exhibition. Featuring 34 companies, it highlighted Italy's expertise in luxury jewellery manufacturing and gold craftsmanship, underscoring the expanding commercial ties between Italy and the UAE.
The Indian pavilion emerged as a standout attraction, showcasing finely crafted jewellery with rare gemstones and intricate designs, reflecting the depth of trade relations and confidence in the Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show as a gateway to regional markets.
The Hong Kong pavilion integrated established industry expertise with design innovation, presenting collections that combined coral, turquoise, 18-carat gold, and natural diamonds in luxury designs.
During the event, the Emirati Goldsmiths Platform announced the launch of the first locally sourced Emirati gemstone, 'Spirit of the Emirates,' made from natural red jasper from Fujairah's Al Siji region. The platform's participation included 20 designers, with significant contributions from women and people of determination, attracting considerable interest from visitors.
Source: Emirates News Agency