His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, opens Dubai International Jewellery Week 2012

Thousands of visitors filled Za'abeel Hall at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), where over 320 exhibitors from more than 20 countries are showcasing the latest fine jewellery collections, precious gemstones and unique jewel-embellished fashion accessories.

Popular for its exclusive and exceptional show offers, the exhibition is the perfect place for jewellery enthusiasts, collectors, retailers, wholesalers and jewellery designers to spend the day.

"We thank His Highness Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, for his support of Dubai International Jewellery Week," said Trixee Loh, Senior Vice President of DWTC, organiser of the exhibition.

"This exhibition is the most anticipated luxury showcase of the year, with thousands of visitors expected to take advantage of the exclusive array of stunning fine jewellery and precious stones at unbeatable prices from over 160 new and 150 returning exhibitors. It gives us great pleasure to welcome more than 100 international trade delegates from Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia to this year's show. We are expecting sell-out success this year," he added.

Highlights at the show include a one-of-a-kind 214-carat emerald on display from renowned Dubai-based jewellers Dhamani, with a price tag of Dhs3.6m and an exquisite Tahitian and South Sea Keshi pearl set from Yoko London valued at Dhs550,000/-.

Many of the region's well-known jewellers including Ahmad Kurdi Fine Jewellery, Renee Jewellers, Antoine Hakim Joailliers and Rosy Blue will be displaying their newest and most dazzling collections, with special show prices for visitors.

A number of exciting onsite raffles will be taking place throughout the exhibition, with prizes that include seven air tickets from Air Arabia valued at Dhs1,500/- each, eight wellness packages from VLCC Dubai each worth Dhs4,000/-, seven UAE gold bullion coins, and many more.

Popular MBC1 TV presenter and beauty expert to the stars Joelle Mardinian will be making a special appearance on Saturday, 24 November at 6pm for an exclusive meet-and-greet with VIP guests. Visitors can also attend daily jewellery seminars run by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), world leaders in diamond, pearl and gemstone grading and education. These complimentary classes take place every day at 4:30pm, 6:30pm and 8:30pm at the seminar theatre in Za'abeel Hall.

Dubai International Jewellery Week will run from 21 - 24 November 2012 and is open between 2pm - 10pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, and between 3pm - 10pm on Friday. This year the show will be held at Za'abeel Hall in DWTC.