DOHA, 25 February 2019: Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) 2019, concluded today on a high note. The 16th edition of the event proved popular and organizers announced that more than 27,000 visits were received over the six days. This year’s exhibition the largest in terms of participation, with more than 500 brands from over 10 countries covering an areas of 29,000 square metres.

The 16th edition saw the participation of the Young Qatari Designers (YQD) initiative for the third year in a row, where a special pavilion was dedicated to the 12 young Qatari designers, under the patronage of Prime Minister of Qatar and Minister of Interior H.E. Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Mr. Ahmed Al Obaidly of the National Tourism Council commented on this exceptional event: “We are delighted with the success of the exhibition this year at the level of local and international participation, the level of public interest and interaction with the events, and the speakers at the Forum and workshops. Through the National Tourism Council, we are working to strengthen the contribution of business to the development of the tourism sector and the strengthening of the national economy, given the advantage in terms of increasing the rate of tourism spending, and supporting the areas of aviation, hospitality and transport and other partner sectors.”

The DJWE Forum has returned for the second year, with the participation of Qatari and international experts, designers and professors of history and arts in the jewellery and watches industry. The most prominent of these were Mr. Alex Popov, President of the Moscow Diamond Exchange, Geoffroy Ader of Artcurial, and Melvyn Kirtley, senior gemmologist at Tiffany & Co. The sessions included discussions on Qatar’s rich heritage and the history of jewellery and pearls in Qatar. Among the distinguished academic speakers at the forum were Dr. Najla Ismail and Dr. Jochen Sokoly, with Ms. Aisha Al-Fardan giving a spectacular presentation about the rare Al Fardan family natural pearls. The prestigious French watchmakers Objectif Horlogerie presented free “Discover Watchmaking” workshops for all, and renowned expert Geoffroy Ader presented daily high-level educational talks, with the Qatar Watch Club in cooperation with the Turkish Watches Club. Jewellery workshops were held, dealing with precious stones, and providing advice on the evaluation of diamonds.

The exhibition space at the Doha Convention and Exhibition Center allowed fine jewellery stores in Qatar to showcase their collections in their own suites, offering visitors a fascinating journey of art, elegance and heritage.

HE Sheik Nawaf Nasser Bin Khaled Al Thani said: “Amiri Gems is proud to be part of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, since its inception. This reiterates our commitment towards the national events that contribute in accomplishing a diversified economy and support the pillars of the 2030 National Vision. Our participation in this year’s edition of DJWE is a huge success. The Amiri Gems pavilion showcased some of the unique and most luxurious pieces from international brands. We will continue to provide the Qatari market with the finest jewels and gems and looking forward for another coming edition of this exhibition to enhance Qatar’s leading position in this industry in the region.”

Mr. Ali Alfardan, Vice Chairman of the Alfardan Group and President, Alfardan Jewellery, said: “Once again, Alfardan Jewellery proved an exceptional presence in the 16th edition of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition – pushing boundaries to showcase one-of-a-kind pieces by exclusive high-end leading brands in the industry and their very own Qatari-made and inspired magnificent gem jewellery. Alfardan Jewellery also introduced for the first time Tiffany & Co. at our pavilion. We have also introduced several new exciting designers for the first time in Qatar. We thank all our customers and visitors for their part and support in making this year’s event a great success as always.”

Mr. Bader Al-Darwish, Chairman and Managing Director of Fifty One East, commented: “This is a particularly special year for Fifty One East, as we celebrate 70 years of market presence, bringing light to the lives of our valued clientele through offering them an impeccable customer experience and the finest brands the world has to offer. Equally valued are the strong relationships we have with these brands, many of which are partnerships nurtured over decades. The trust they place in us and the esteem in which they hold Doha is exemplified at the Fifty One East pavilion during the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition. Fifty One East has been a strong supporter and had major presence at the show since its inception and as part of our commitment to bringing outstanding quality and choice to our loyal clients, we ensured presenting them with new and exciting brands. Nothing can compare to experiencing these exquisite examples of craftsmanship in person. We were extremely pleased to welcome everyone who visited us and explored the scintillating wealth of designs and illuminating inspiration.”

Commenting on this year’s DJWE 2019 edition, Mr. Jamil bin Mahdi Al Majed, Vice-Chairman of the Board of Al Majed Jewellery, said: “We would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, for visiting Al Majed Jewellery Pavilion during this edition of DJWE.”

He added: “We are honoured to have been one of the first founders of DJWE and to see the growth in the number of visitors year by year. We are extremely proud of our own successes and achievements that enable us to contribute to strengthening the local market. Al Majed Jewellery is known for preserving our nation’s historical heritage and for designing the finest jewellery of natural Qatari pearl. Our understanding of the luxurious taste of the Qatari community and their status, shows in the unique pieces we bring to the show. We see DJWE as a platform that not only highlights commercial and tourism potential but also reflects the development of the business landscape. Prominent events such as DJWE ultimately strengthen Qatar’s position as a destination for major international business events and we proud to be a part of its success.”

Mr. Awn Zureikat, Chief Operations Officer – Ali Bin Ali Luxury, said: “Like every year we are proud to be part of this year’s edition of Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition. On this occasion we wish to thank His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, and His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al Thani for their consistent support in making the exhibition successful year on year.”

He added: “Ali Bin Ali Luxury has been one of first partners of the exhibition since its inception 16 years ago. Every year we receive an increase numbers of visitors and attendees. We take pride in introducing new brands with products that are shown for the first time in Doha. This year we have been particularly proud of our new booth and the concept inspired by the diamond cut/shape, as well as our new brands: Piaget, Sevan Bicakci and Gilan.”

A charity auction was hosted on the fifth day, February 24, run by auctioneer Geoffroy Ader from Artcurial and moderated by Mr. Habib Tamimi. The auction benefits ‘Education Above All’, a global movement that contributes to human, social and economic development through the provision of quality education.

The vibrant heritage and glamour of India came alive for visitors in a dedicated Indian Pavilion, which marked the Qatar-India Year of Culture 2019. Visitors were also treated to a special visit by internationally-renowned Bollywood actress and style influencer, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who visited the Indian Pavilion accompanied by the Ambassador of the Republic of India to the State of Qatar, Mr. P Kumaran. He said: “DJWE is a wonderful platform for our top Indian jewellery brands to showcase our country’s rich culture and diverse heritage. I am proud of the craftsmanship and creativity shown by the 13 Indian designers in their superb collections, and the appreciation shown by such an influential international audience. Qatar has always been a supportive market for the artistry of Indian jewellers and DJWE gives patrons a closer look at the very latest trends and styles. I am confident that new opportunities for business and creative exchanges will arise from this well-received event.”

DJWE 2018 was organised by QNTC, in cooperation with events company Auditoire to provide visitors with an exclusive experience combining authentic hospitality and modern style. DJWE’s local sponsors and strategic partners for this year’s event included Qatar National Bank, Maserati, Qatar Airways and Shangri-La Hotel. The event is one of the fastest-growing events on the agenda of the global luxury business community, and is further enhanced by the addition of activities and events suitable for both exhibitors and visitors.

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