The curtains came down yesterday (December 9) on the Watch & Jewellery Dubai 2005 at the Airport Expo Dubai. Millions of Dirhams worth of business was concluded at the event and organisers Dubai World Trade Centre reported that an exact figure was difficult to gauge as many exhibitors continued to wrap up last-minute deals well after closing.
“With a majority of international exhibitors reporting sizeable deals, the event has proved that quality trade visitors prefer Dubai for expanding their business base in the region,” said DWTC Director General, Helal Saeed Khalfan Al Marri.
“This is a sign of the rising appeal of Dubai’s jewellery trade and the outstanding quality of the products that are marketed here,” added Mr. Al Marri.
The show resulted in substantial business for participating companies while many others confirmed genuine enquiries for potentially good yields in the coming months. Four exhibitors confirmed business worth over AED5.8 million (US$1.6 million).
Euro Pearls from Britain were extremely happy with the business generated during the show. The company offered a magnificent collection of high quality South Sea, Tahitian, Japanese and Chinese cultured pearls in addition to pearl jewellery produced at its own facilities. One of the world’s biggest manufacturers of pearls, they distribute across the globe and the Middle East.
According to Michael Hakimian, Chief Executive of the company, “There has been a dramatic increase in the sale of pearls in the region thanks to the evolving taste of the people in this market. Earlier big diamonds were what customers were always looking for but now people are more fashion-conscious and follow global trends. Pearls today are equally fashionable as they look elegant and romantic.”
The company reported good interest from the region including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and particularly Iran. The pearls range from AED183.65 (US$50) to one of the world’s only unique 29mm pearl that runs into millions of dollars.
President Vidhaya Narathusachan of V&P Jewellery was a pleased man. His visit from Thailand to Dubai was fruitful as they appointed an agent in Doha during the show. More deals are on the cards as the company expects further business following the enquiries received at the show. V&P Jewellery deals in jewellery studded in diamonds and stones.
Aspeco NV, a Sightholder for the Diamond Trading Company (DTC) has also registered good business.
Apart from jewellery, companies that reported good business, companies dealing in machine tools and equipment generated good sales. Jewellery Technology and Equipments (JTE DMCC) that offers training and after sales service were happy with their participation at WJD. Their machines retail at approximately AED 120,000 they won several orders from Iran, Thailand, Japan and Saudi Arabia besides selling a few machines at the show itself.
Another company Sisma Spa from Italy which deals in chain-making machines, laser sources and systems too received good enquiries from businesses in Dubai, Pakistan and Iran. Their equipments carry a tag of around AED 240,000. While one of this equipment was already sold, the company is confident that more orders will follow after the event.
Other companies that have seen good interest include Olympic Diamond from USA, Bag Jewellery from Turkey, RIM Jewellers from Hong Kong, Forever Jewels from Singapore, Emballage Trading Co. LLC, AMC, Taka Jewellery Pte Ltd, Monte Jewellery and many more.
The branded pavilion, Gold Expressions and the Designer Piazza attracted numerous trade visitors and the public.
Most companies from Belgium dealing in diamonds too registered good business. The companies dealing in bigger carats recorded better business as the need in the market is for big stones. Lazare Kaplan from Belgium is the premier diamond-cutting company in the world and has been a Sightholder for De Beers for more than 50 years. It is also the only diamond company listed on the American Stock Exchange. It has offices in New York, Belgium, Japan, Hong Kong, Italy and Russia. LKI, along with Alrosa markets fine Russian diamonds in a full range of colours and clarities, in sizes ranging from 0.20 carat to 20 carats. The company has done very good business, close to millions.
Balve High Tech Safes Company GMBH from Germany deals in high-tech and antique safes that carry a price tag from Euro 120,000. They have seen good interest and hope to finalise a deal soon. Theirs is a specialized business, as they have to customize their safe according to the client's requirements.
