The Ultimate Jewellery & Watch Showcase in the Middle East Opens

Manama, Bahrain: Jewellery Arabia 2009 will be officially inaugurated under the patronage of His Royal Highness the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre on Tuesday 17 November.

The eighteenth exhibition in this prestigious series runs until Saturday 21 November. Over 600 companies from 30 countries will be in attendance, spanning a total floor area of 18,000 square metres. Collectively, they form the largest display of precious gems, finished jewellery and luxury watches in the Middle East.

To cater to high demand for space the show organisers have commissioned two semi-permanent structures to extend existing facilities at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre for the fourth year in a row.

Despite the current global economic climate, Jewellery Arabia 2009 has sold out to capacity. The international watch and jewellery industry is looking to the Middle East for growth, and the exhibition is a proven gateway to this important economic sector,
said Arabian Exhibition Management’s chief executive officer Stephen Key.

Over the last 18 years, Jewellery Arabia has steadily evolved into the single most important jewellery and watch exhibition in the Middle East. Its size, quality and variety remain unchallenged; and sustained growth in the number of exhibitors has been matched by increased attendance year on year. Once again, Jewellery Arabia 2009 promises to be the Middle East industry event of the year and we look forward to yet another exceptional event,
Al Shehabi continued.

Jewellery Arabia 2009 will feature a number of new companies looking to break into the region, including the first time participation of a pavilion of Malaysian jewellers coordinated by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).

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 numerous others.

International country pavilions from Brazil, Greece, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Turkey and Thailand; in addition to a strong GCC and Lebanese 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 collections of famous international brands in boutique formats.

The 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 jewellery and watch market.

Last year’s exhibition 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 daily. An exclusive ladies only morning will be held on Thursday 19 November from 10.00 to 13.00.