Watch & Jewellery Dubai 2005 to take advantage of Emirate's gold imports as forecasts indicate surge to 540 tonnes in 2005

With the World Gold Council's (WGC) recent announcement of a dramatic 19 per cent rise in UAE gold sales in the second quarter of 2005, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organisers of the Watch & Jewellery Dubai 2005 (WJD) are bracing themselves for their best exhibition ever.

For Q3 2005 alone, gold jewellery demand in the UAE registered a year-on-year growth of 13%, according to recently released WGC figures. Overall the Middle East market grew by 11% while retail investment rose 38%, both in tonnage terms. The emirate's gold imports alone are estimated to surge to 540 tonnes in 2005.

"Confidence amongst the watch and jewellery sector is high in the run-up to this year's show,"

said DWTC Director General, Helal Saeed Khalfan Al Marri. The move to the recently refurbished Airport Expo Dubai and the incorporation of several new exciting features will further enhance WJD's position as the regions platform to do business, he noted.

Visitors to the show can see one of these new features on the World Gold Councils (WGC) stand as they host for the first time, the hugely successful 'Gold Expressions 2005'.

'Gold Expressions' is a unique collection of over 430 trend setting gold jewellery pieces from 69 Italian manufacturers. This latest initiative developed by the WGC is about creating and launching new gold jewellery designs and trends, to expand global consumer demand for gold jewellery.

The collection epitomises the innovative craftsmanship synonymous with Italian design. Highly original, yet marketable, the 'Gold Expressions' pieces attract international press and buyers, ever-eager scouts of new gold jewellery forms and lines.

Ranked as one of the most exciting, dynamic and responsive markets in the world for luxury goods, Dubai and WDJ therefore make the perfect venue for the WGC to showcase this glittering collection.

'Gold Expressions' is however only a small part of this five-day event which also sees the display of exquisite jewellery and watch items from around the world including diamond, platinum, plain gold, sliver, pearl and coloured gemstone jewellery, loose diamonds, pearls, precious and semi-precious stones, mountings, watches, packaging and display materials and manufacturing tools and machinery.

Watch & Jewellery Dubai continues to build on last year's unprecedented growth. This year promises new exhibitors, additional pavilions and dedicated industry seminars to entice both consumers and trade visitors.