Better than expected visitors attendance and sales mark the conclusion of Dubai international Jewellery week 2008
Thousands of visitors enjoyed the unique 5 day jewellery experience
Dubai International Jewellery Week, the region’s premier watch and jewellery event, came to a grand conclusion yesterday after five days filled with exciting launches, one-of-a-kind masterpieces, promotions and informative seminars. The show, which was 20% bigger than its previous edition, exceeded expectations in visitor attendance and sales.
Trade visitors from around the world, luxury shoppers and enthusiasts streamed into the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 11-15 November to get a first hand glimpse of some never-before-seen designs that were unveiled at the show. The event, which comprised Areeq Dubai, Jewellery Collections Dubai and Jewellery Trade Dubai, delivered customised platforms for luxury goods, retail and trade.
Over 520 companies from 30 key jewellery markets from across the globe formed part of the event this year, making it the biggest Jewellery Week to date. “The response to this year’s event, from exhibitors and visitors alike, has been very encouraging” said Ms. Trixee Loh, Senior VP, Exhibitions and Events Management of Dubai World Trade Centre, the show’s organiser. “Despite the challenging economic and retail conditions, sales have been steady throughout the show and visitors have enjoyed the exclusive shopping experience of sourcing from companies around the world. As an organiser, that is a positive endorsement of our event” she added.
Exhibitors across the board were also delighted with the audience response. “The overall sales were beyond our expectations and we are very pleased with the way things turned out over the five days. The audience was well informed, the facilities were excellent, and the overall atmosphere was ideally suited for business” said Mr. Mehran Mahallati, Vice President of Mahallati, who had a significant presence at Jewellery Collections Dubai. His thoughts were echoed by numerous exhibitors, like Rosy Blue for instance. “We came to the show expecting what we got when we were here last year or even less, but this has turned out to be even more than we expected. A 15% increase is a definite indication that people accept what we have and that the jewellery market is well, healthy and on it’s way up.” said Ms. Pearl Chandrawansa, General Manager of Rosy Blue. Alfred Karram, the founder of his bespoke jewellery line which reflects the architectural look and feel of new Dubai, was equally impressed. “My work is catered to please an intellectual, art loving audience, and I found them in vast numbers at the show. I cannot be more pleased” said Mr. Karram. The variety at the show was also a big talking point among the exhibitors, who felt it gave the show a truly international appeal. “The exhibition this year was a very fine mix of international exhibitors showcasing the finest jewellery in the world. It gave visitors the chance to discover a wide range of high quality jewellery from across the globe” said Mr. Amit Dhamani, CEO and Managing Director of Dhamani Jewels.
The event, which 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, has proven to be a resounding success once again.
The 2009 event is scheduled to be held from 3-7 November at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. For all those involved within the jewellery industry it is a not to be missed event on the 2009 Exhibitions Calendar.