Biggest ever IJD 2004 set to open doors

The event has attracted an increased number of overseas exhibitors and as a result has doubled in size and now takes up Halls 5,6,7 and 8 of the DWTC Complex. The show will feature 454 exhibitors from 28 countries as compared to 225 last year, and will occupy a nett area of 8,311 sq m - up from 5,000 sq m in the last edition.

"As the figures indicate IJD has grown tremendously in stature and while it is already the most significant show of its kind in the region, it is now set to take its place among the premier shows serving the jewellery trade on the world stage," said DWTC General Manager Exhibitions and Conventions, Christina Nicholson. "With Dubai playing an increasingly important part in the worldwide gold and jewellery trade, thanks to its strategic position and strong trade ties with the region, an exhibition like International Jewellery Dubai has tremendous scope for growth."

Building on Dubai's position as the ideal gateway to reach a fast-developing market, and capitalising on its increasing stature as a major player in the worldwide jewellery trade, IJD 2004 has increased the focus on the trade aspect. While the show will be open to trade visitors and VIPs on the opening day, the next two days (Dec 7 and 8) will have exclusive sessions for trade visitors and buyers from 11 am to 4pm. The public will be allowed in only after 4pm on these days, and all day on December 9 and 10.

In tune with the new profile was the change in the show dates from April to December. Following extensive research and feedback from visitor and exhibitors, it was decided to make the shift to take advantage of a convenient gap in the international event calendar. December is also the month when manufacturers meet buyers from across the Middle East, as they restock to prepare for the year-end sales rush.

There has been a marked increase in interest worldwide, which is reflected in the participation of many big names for the first time. An Italian Pavilion with 27 companies and one from Taiwan will debut at IJD 2004. Pavilions from countries with a traditionally strong representation like Belgium, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Thailand and Turkey will all make their presence felt this year too.

In addition there will be a far greater number of sightholders - diamond buyers and manufacturers - attending the show, an indication of the growing profile of the show worldwide. Among the big names represented will be Aspeco, Livingstone, Rosy Blue, Supergems, Tache, Intergems-Claes, SDE and AMC

Another feature that is bound to attract a lot of attention is the special Branded Jewellery Pavilion being introduced for the first time at IJD. A dedicated pavilion will feature some over 50 of the leading worldwide brands and should be a magnet for visitors and the trade as a whole. The pulling power of these superbrands is sure to have a positive fallout on both the show itself and Dubai as a whole. Among those who will be present include Adler, Bovet Watches, Graff, Pasquale Bruni, Scavia and Tiffany.

The Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group, an association of over 550 members, will feature a pavilion that will host over 12 leading jewellery manufacturers from the UAE, in a move designed to highlight the capabilities of the local market and launch Dubai as a manufacturing destination on the world stage as opposed to just being a trading hub.

The Diamond Trading Company (DTC), the London-based rough diamond sales arm of the De Beers Group, will present a dedicated Diamond Day at IJD 2004. The day will we dedicated to hosting international and local members of the diamond industry to an event that will offer them significant opportunities aimed to further support the escalating growth of the diamond market in the Gulf region.

The DTC will also launch its 2005 programmes that promise exciting and new business prospects that will interest the various sectors of the diamond industry. It will also recap on the successes of the year, and share new information on the latest developments in the world of diamonds.

IJD 2004, the leading trade show for the jewellery industry in the region, brings together leading buyers, trade visitors and industry professionals and provides a platform for industry leaders to showcase the latest trends and developments in the field.

The five-day event will feature a wide range of premier products reflecting the latest trends in the industry as well as exhibits that include cut and uncut gemstones, gold, platinum and silver jewellery, gem-set, precious and semi-precious jewellery, precious stones, semi-precious stones, bullion, antique jewellery, branded costume jewellery, branded watches and clocks, silverware, part-finished jewellery, packaging and display materials and manufacturing tools and machinery.