Jewellery Arabia 2009 - A Sparkling Return

 

From 17 to 21 November the halls of the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre will glitter with the finest gems, jewels and exciting new designs as the ultimate industry showcase in the Middle East returns for a sell-out show.

Held under the patronage of His Highness the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, over 600 exhibitors from 30 nations will reveal exquisite items at Jewellery Arabia 2009, ranging from incredible finished jewellery to luxury time pieces; to precious stones of every size, shape and cut.

The most prestigious master jewellers and watchmakers in the world will shine on a floor area of 18,000 square metres, complemented by the creative gleam of national pavilions from leading jewellery export countries, and the refined sparkle of the Middle East’s finest retailers and manufacturers.

The Middle East Jewellery & Watch Industry Outlook

Despite the current global economic climate, Jewellery Arabia 2009 has sold out to capacity as the watch and jewellery industry looks to the Middle East for growth. To cater to high demand show organisers Arabian Exhibition Management have commissioned two temporary halls to extend existing facilities at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre for the fourth year in a row.

According to a recent study by Bain & Company, demand for luxury goods in the Middle East is expected to rise by 2% in 2010 in contrast to a 10% drop in sales globally. Jewellery Arabia has a successful 17 year track record of delivering quality trade and public buyers and is viewed by the industry as the gateway to this important market
Arabian Exhibition Management’s director of sales and marketing
Fawzi Al Shehabi

The Middle East market remains strong due to a cultural affinity with gold and an increasingly fashion conscious young population, he continued, buoyed up by the residual wealth of GCC oil and gas revenues which reached US$ 562 billion in 2008.

Jewellery Arabia 2009 will feature a number of new exciting new companies looking to break into the region, including the first ever participation from South Africa.

Leading Luxury Brands Return

Eminent jewellery houses and watch manufacturers making a return appearance at Jewellery Arabia 2009 include Audemars Piguet, Cartier, Chopard, De Beers, Graff Diamonds, Harry Winston, Hublot, Patek Phillipe and Piaget amongst others.

International pavilions from Brazil, Greece, Hong Kong, India and Thailand; in addition to a strong Lebanese and GCC contingent complements this line up.

Amongst them are some of Bahrain’s leading jewellers – Bahrain Jewellery Centre, Asia Jewellers, Al Mahmood Pearls and Al Zain - who will bring together stunning collections of famous international brands in boutique formats.

The dynamic and innovative designs of local jewellers will also be spotlighted by a pavilion of Bahrain jewellers, coordinated by the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce.

Many of these exhibiting companies will once again have an exclusive presence in the Middle East at Jewellery Arabia, affording upwards of 40,000 visitors a unique preview of the global market.

A Unique Event for the Middle East

Jewellery Arabia’s variety, size and quality set it apart from other exhibitions in the region. Designers of unique one-off watch and jewellery pieces exhibit alongside giant luxury goods companies, in addition to the multicultural mix in the national pavilions - where exhibitors from all over the world exhibit their non-branded products – and make it such an exceptional event
Fawzi Al Shehabi

Since its inauguration in 1992, Jewellery Arabia has firmly established itself as the biggest and most prestigious jewellery exhibition in the Middle East, providing international jewellery houses with unrivalled direct access to trade buyers and private collectors from throughout this important economic sector.

Last year’s show attracted over 42,000 qualified visitors.  Of the total, 26% were drawn from the region’s single largest jewellery market - Saudi Arabia, with significant support also coming from Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and other neighbouring countries.

The exhibition’s high quality profile and enthusiastic consumer following continues to reflect the region’s passion for fine jewellery, which has succeeded in creating one of the world’s largest and most dynamic markets.

The 4th Middle East Watches, Jewellery and Pen Awards

Further highlighting the importance of the Middle East region, for the fourth successive year, the Middle East Watches, Jewellery and Pen Awards will be held on the sidelines of Jewellery Arabia 2009 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel Bahrain on 17 November.

Hosted by MPPArabia, the Awards are the culmination of an online public voting system and the analysis of an elite committee comprising of watch, jewellery and pen collectors, connoisseurs and aficionados with no direct commercial ties to the industry.

Fostering cohesion amongst Jewellery Arabia participants whilst also acknowledging their individual contribution to the industry, the glittering ceremony will be a star-studded event with the expected presence of specially invited dignitaries, royalty, celebrities, leading socialites, top ranking officials and senior professionals representing the international and regional watch, jewellery and pen industries.

Jewellery Arabia will open from 16.00 to 22.00 each day for trade visitors, and private collectors by invitation only. An exclusive ladies only morning will be held on Thursday 19 November from 10.00 to 13.00.