Australian jewellery traders and Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group join hands to develop stronger business relations

The visit, part of a Middle East Roadshow by Australian jewellers, is aimed at boosting the collaboration between Australia and Dubai-based jewellers and reflects the City's enhanced profile as a major trading hub for gems and jewellery and a retail market for designs from Australia. Supported by the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group and Gulf Air, the first-of-its-kind Australian Middle East Jewellery Roadshow also covers Cairo, Bahrain and Beirut.

The Roadshow, an initiative by the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) with the objective to raise the profile of the Australian jewellery in the Dubai market, is expected to generate new business opportunities and develop successful relationships. During the visit, the traders will showcase the latest range of Australian gem designs (mainly opals), precious stones, pearls, gold and diamond jewellery, silver and other accessories.

Commenting on the visit of the delegation, Mr. Tawhid Abdullah, Chairman of Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group, said: 'This visit by the Australian jewellery traders is expected to provide a major fillip to the business links between the two jewellery centres and help unravel business opportunities for future. It's imperative to note that 95 per cent of tourists buy jewellery in Dubai and the city boasts of the highest per-capita gold consumption in the world. This visit by the Australian traders has come at a great time, with the opening up successful relationships and boosting mutual cooperation between Australia and Dubai-based jewellers.'

He added: 'Dubai, which boasts of variety of jewellery catering to tastes and preferences of over 160 nationalities residing in the city and over 12 million tourists annually, deserves its recognition as the Jewellery Destination of the World. I am confident that the Australian jewellery will surely find its demand among the discerning population of Dubai and the region.'

Dubai also offers the largest growth market for diamond with its market growing at a substantial rate of 17 per cent compared to the last year. With local retail industry worth US$3 billion, the UAE is second only to Saudi Arabia in diamond sales in the region.

Added Mr. Abdullah: 'The visit offers two-way opportunities for our industry here as Dubai jewellers are renowned for being logistics and redistribution experts besides their retail selling abilities. With the added product range from Australia, Dubai will be in a stronger position to showcase its potential as a jewellery hub. Secondly, it also opens up avenues for Dubai-based jewellery organisations to expand retail operations in Australia.'

As Australian trade increases in the region, the awareness and presence of Australian jewellery too is being recognised for its quality and innovative design work. Peter Linford, Australia's Senior Trade Commissioner for the Middle East, said: 'The two-way growth in positively booming with outlook trends very strong.'

In his comments, James Hogan, President and Chief Executive of Gulf Air, said: 'International air travel provides a crucial link between the countries of the Middle East and the global community and Gulf Air has a key role to play in supporting economic growth in the Middle East and the Gulf region, not only through the promotion of travel and tourism but also by facilitating trade between members of the international business community. We are very pleased to work with people who share our vision by supporting and working with Austrade in this venture.'