Dubai International Jewellery Week 2008 announces 20% growth

The unveiling of the shows attractions, scheduled to be held from 11-15 November 2008 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, were announced at the official press conference.

Dubai International Jewellery Week comprises of Areeq Dubai, 13 - 15 November, a showcase of the world's most prestigious watch and jewellery brands, in addition to unique pieces and collectors' items.

Jewellery Collections Dubai, an extensive display of jewellery and timepieces from all over the world and Jewellery Trade Dubai, the only business-to-business jewellery event in the Middle East will open from 11 -15 November.

Over 520 companies, an increase of 30% with representation from 30 countries will be taking part in Dubai International Jewellery Week 2008, coupled with a 20% increase in exhibitor space.

In addition to this 85% of the companies exhibiting at the event are international, mirroring the global appeal the show now commands.

"Despite the global economic challenges, the Middle East and particularly the GCC market continues to hold itself up well. Companies are increasingly seeking out emerging markets with strong consumer purchasing power. The regional market presents great opportunities for jewellery traders as we emphasise the development of long term business relationships. I am confident the economic climate today will not curtail the long term development prospects of our high growth markets here",

said Mr. Helal Saeed Almarri, the CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre, the show's organiser.

While the industry is well aware of the financial crisis that the world is facing at the moment, it also understands that jewellery remains a safe and trusted investment for many people, and has proved to be for many decades.

Gold prices are at an all time high and Dubai's gold imports are expected to double in the coming years with retail trade reaching $3bn.

Recent reports also stated that the price of gold has in fact increased by 14% as the financial crisis deepens.

Trade of rough diamonds increased by 36% to reach $3.3bn at the end of the first half of this year.

Additionally, polished diamond imports to the emirate grew by 99% during the first 6 months of this year, to reach $2.9bn from $1.4bn during the same period in 2007.

Dubai International Jewellery Week has a rock solid reputation for being the ideal gateway into the lucrative Middle Eastern market, and remains an excellent channel for exhibitors entering the market for the long haul.

Once again, the show will cater to all segments of the jewellery industry with customised platforms for luxury goods, retail and trade.

While the ultra-luxurious Areeq Dubai is back for the second year in a row, Jewellery Collections Dubai and Jewellery Trade Dubai will be held under one roof, creating a one-of-a-kind platform with vast opportunities for sales, marketing and networking.

"While the exhibition is niche in many ways, the diversity on display will be more than ever", added Almarri. "We also have a host of new launches and promotions on offer this year, which will add to the excitement" he concluded.

The event will once again feature international pavilions from 10 key jewellery markets, with Singapore and China new entrants for this year.

The show will also include the VIP Hosted delegation from Saudi Arabia and a series of trade seminars that will prove to be invaluable for anyone associated with the industry.

This will also add a new dimension to this year's event, once again highlighting the long-term investment being made by the show.

A host of world-class brands will be exhibiting for the first time, including Dunamis watches, Meccaniche Veloci, Swiss Pearls and Moussaieff.

The unique Quattro Valvole timepiece, made by the Italian watch makers Meccaniche Veloci using the same principles of a finely tuned racing car, will also be on display accompanied by the ultra-luxury Spada Contradonce sports car.

Besides the new attractions, prominent brands such as Adler, Breitling, Cerruti, Mikimoto, Parmigiani, Romain Jerome and a host of others will be vying for the spotlight at the show.

Promotions aplenty at this year's Areeq Dubai, prominent among which will be Bin Hendi's exquisite giveaway.

The luxury jeweller will be presenting one lucky Areeq visitor with a striking De La Cour watch worth Dhs30,000 via a raffle draw.

Diamond experts Dhamani also have a mega raffle up for grabs at the show, with the winner walking away with a superb 1 carat Dubai Cut Diamond.

The show enjoys the support and confidence of some of the most respected bodies in the industry, including the World Gold Council, Dubai Diamond Exchange, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre and Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group, who play an integral role not just in the show's success story, but also in the region as a whole.