A dazzling finale to Dubai International Jewellery Week

Dubai World Trade Centre, the organiser of the show, had delivered an event of unprecedented scale, scope and size. The show's new three-event format, Areeq Dubai, Jewellery Collections Dubai and Jewellery Trade Dubai, was a resounding success, with exhibitors and visitors alike enjoying the experience. Over 400 companies from 25 countries took part in the event, and recorded millions of Dirhams worth of sales on-site as well on future deals over the coming months. Numerous luminaries of the timepiece and jewellery world, including regional giants like Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, Al Tayer, Bin Hendi, Damas, Dhamani, Istana and many more made their presence felt at the show, with a majority of them unveiling their new collections for the coming year during the course of the event.

"We are extremely pleased to report that the public and the exhibitors have welcomed the new format. The show has once again proved to be a huge success in connecting the major players in the jewellery industry with the region's key buyers and it is impressive to see an overall increase in sales figures, attendance numbers and popularity" said Mr. Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre.

Mr. Jatia Acharya, Damas Senior International Brand Manager (HOD) praised Areeq Dubai by saying, "We were very pleased with the concept, feel and design of Areeq Dubai. Some of our brands actually revealed their 2008 collections here in Areeq Dubai because they were confident that this show would bring them in touch with the most elite crowds and hence the right consumers for their supreme brands. Some of these collections haven't even been launched yet in their countries of origin."

Mr. Rolf D. Kruschel, of Chopard Geneve exhibiting along with Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, their retail partner, remarked on exhibiting at Areeq Dubai by saying, "This is our initial presence at Dubai International Jewellery Week and we are very pleased with the outcome of the show. With Areeq Dubai being exclusive to the world's premium brands, we feel that it was the perfect environment for our very prestigious brand. We have built good relations with potential customers and feel that we have brought our product closer to our target audience. "

Jewellery Collections Dubai, the ultimate retail event of the year, had its own share of glamour and grandeur. The largest and most popular retailers in the region, and from across the world, were in attendance, including country pavilions from exotic jewellery markets from 10 handpicked countries. A fashion show by the Italian Chamber of Commerce and the inimitable Rainbow Collection of over 300 diamonds were just two of the shining lights in this one-of-a-kind show. Forever Jewels, a key exhibitor at Jewellery Collections Dubai reported a 40% increase in wholesale in comparison to their sales achievements in 2007.

"With the Mahalati Jewellery Group being manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers, we benefited extensively from the wide range of consumers and trade professionals who visited the Dubai International Jewellery Week, this year. It is great that there is a luxury, retail and trade event all happening in the same week. This allows for a shared consumer base and inevitably better business opportunities", commented Mr. Mehran Mahalati, Vice President Mahalati Jewellery Group who also announced a 100% increase in his wholesale transactions when compared to figures from last year's event.

Jewellery Trade Dubai, the sole 'trade-only' watch and jewellery event in the region, was billed as an event that no one associated to the jewellery industry can afford to miss, and it proved to be all that and more. Thousands of traders from across the world came together, and the result was sores of new partnerships, enhanced deals and fresh relationships. A series of seminars featuring industry leaders, CEO's and analysts kept the trade-only audience tuned into the present and future state of their industry.

Mr. Deepak V Lakhi, Managing Director, Sparklers DMCC said, "We successfully unveiled our Pristine Heart Diamond at Jewellery Trade Dubai. There was very positive feedback to our launch with plenty of potential buyers. We have come in contact with many jewellers at the show, which is great for us as we are currently searching for the appropriate exclusive retailer to sell our very special product. The Pristine Heart Diamond was launched for the first time in the Middle East during the show and we are positive that there couldn't have been a better venue to do so."

Ms. Golnaz, Canadian Iranian citizen and a visitor of the retail show commented, "Jewellery Collections Dubai had a very impressive collection of international exhibitors, when compared to other similar exhibitions around the region."

Ms. Maria Oliverio, a Jewellery Designer said, "I found the Dubai International Jewellery Week to be very well-organised and was happy to find such a diverse collection from around the world."

Mrs. Salama Al Marri, one of the three winners of the Dhamani Diamond Promotion commented on winning at the show by saying, "I have enjoyed the show tremendously and felt very welcome by everybody. I will be the first one in line at next year's show."

Dubai International Jewellery Week proved itself as a serious player in the Middle Eastern Jewellery Industry. Dubai International Jewellery Week looks forward to the next edition which is scheduled for 11 - 15 November 2008 and anticipates a bigger and better event.