• More than 21,000 visits to DJWE 2018
  • 1,990,000 QAR total from the charity auction

The 15th edition of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2018, has concluded on Wednesday 26 February, with local and international exhibitors compete to attract visitors. Organisers announced that more than 21,000 visits to the unique luxurious exhibition were recorded over the six days.

Held Under the Patronage of the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), the exhibition gathered more than 490 international brands representing a wide variety of luxury watches and jewellery. The exhibition also provided visitors with the opportunity to acquire new knowledge through the first forum, daily sessions and workshops that discussed topics related to the jewellery and watch industry.

Commenting on the show’s conclusion, Ahmed Al Obaidli, Exhibitions Director at QTA, said, “DJWE is a true model of success, sustainability and development. Over the past 15 years, the exhibition has succeeded in reinforcing its position on the global calendar of jewellery events, as evidenced by the attendance of top executives of major brands at the show. The increase in exhibition area, visitors, side events and sales are all testament to the exhibition’s success.” He added, “This remarkable performance is thanks to the support provided by His Excellency Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, to business events and the tourism sector as a whole in pursuit of a more diverse national economy.”

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

On behalf of Fifty One East, Mr. Bader Abdullah Al-Darwish, Chairman and Managing Director, said: “In every edition of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, since its inception, Fifty One East, the eldest and most prestigious department store in Qatar, has been offering a new touch that enriches the fair. The DJWE is now considered as an exceptional platform for the most important events in the world of watches and jewellery despite the current challenging situation. The international brands which we represent are prioritizing the Qatari market and they are extremely happy with their participation this year and are looking forward to next year’s edition. We have been coordinating with the organizers to provide all the necessary support to further promote the exhibition and the State of Qatar as a hub for the most prestigious events in the region and the world. I would like to thank them today for their hard work and dedication.”

Mr. Ali Alfardan, President, Alfardan Jewellery, said, “Once again Alfardan Jewellery proved an exceptional presence in the 15th edition of the Doha Jewellery and Watch 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 as 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.”

Mr. Awn Zureikat, Chief Operations Officer – Ali Bin Ali Luxury, said: “We are proud to be part of this year’s edition of Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, held under the patronage of 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.

Ali Bin Ali Luxury has been one of first partners of the exhibition since its inception 15 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.”

Commenting on this year’s DJWE 2018 edition, Mr. Jamil Bin Mahdi Al Majed, Vice Chairman of Al Majed Jewelry, said “We are extremely proud that Al Majed Jewelry was one of the first founders of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition. We are now celebrating 75 years of successes and achievements of Al Majed Jewellery, where have contributed to boosts the local market. Every year we notice increasing of the number of visitors, and certainly we know the luxurious taste of the Qatari community so we bring all the unique pieces that suits them and highlight their status. Al Majed Jewelry is known to preserve the historical heritage and design the finniest jewellery of natural Qatari pearl. DJWE is a platform that not only highlights the commercial and tourism aspects but also reflects the development of the business and the prosperity and well-being the people in Qatar live and face the current challenges.”

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”.

People visit the Doha Jewellery and watches exhibitions in the Qatari capital on February 23, 2018. Four hundred ninety five brands from 10 countries were displayed.

Promoting and supporting young talents, the exhibition witnessed the return of the Young Qatar Designers Initiative, which was held Under the Patronage of the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani where six Qatari designers participated and presented their unique, and exclusive collections to the compete with the world’s most famous brands.

Six Young Qatar Designers, Nada Al Sulaiti (Hairaat); Nouf Al Meer (Nouf Jewellery); Ghada Al Buainain; Leila Abu Issa (Leila Issam Fine Jewellery); Shikha Mohamed- Al Ghla Jewellery; and Jawaher & Hissa Mohammed Al Mannai (Ghand Jewellery), had the chance to present their collections along with the world’s leading watches and jewellery brands.

“As young Qatari designers we are thankful for the support and the patronage of His Excellency the Prime Minister in giving us this opportunity to be part of one of the best Jewellery and watches exhibitions in the world. And we will continue working hard to always present Qatar in the most prestigious and successful way,” said Nada Al Sulaiti from Hairaat, on behalf of the Young Qatari Designers.

On the fifth day of the exhibition, the Milestones Auction Supporting Education Above All (EAA) organised by Albahie Auction House, held at DJWE 2018, a charity auction with 6 signature pieces designed by the participating Young Qatari Designers, sold a total of 1,990,000 QAR for Education Above All, a global movement that contributes to human, social and economic development through the provision of quality education.

On the second day, DJWE introduced for the first time the new DJWE Forum sponsored by Fifty One East, with more than 100 participants, as well as a number of VIPs. Local and international experts and designers have shared their knowledge and experience with the audience and industry enthusiasts to highlight the role of the talents in the jewellery industry both locally and internationally. The forum provided the opportunity to explore the secrets of jewellery and watches, including the precious stones, Arab designs and the history.

The events and workshops attracted a large number of visitors, as for the first time, visitors participated in Al Majlis daily discussions with the participation of experts in this sector. They also enjoyed the daily workshops in the art of jewellery showing the art of the fine jewelry industry. In addition, international watch experts from the French auction house Artcurial provided free consultation to watch enthusiasts. The exhibition also provided visitors with the opportunity to moving pictures as souvenirs from Ooredoo at the exhibition.

This year’s exhibition also witnessed the return of French watchmakers, Objectif Horlogerie, to showcase the fine arts and craftsmanship of the watch industry. In addition to hosting 5 free daily sessions, the participants at the end receive a certificate of participation. More than 120 participants have earned their certificates as well as gained new experience. Objectif Horlogerie has provided an exclusive workshop for 15 participants who have had the opportunity to collect Swiss watches designed specifically for the exhibition under the guidance of watch industry experts

Several brands have also unveiled special pieces, such as Fifty One East has introduced a limited edition of the H. Moser & Cie Venturer Small Seconds as a tribute to the State of Qatar. Only 10 special pieces were produced and they all come with steel case size 43mm. The dial comes in dark burgundy fumé reflecting the Qatari flag colours and has the word Qatar on mark 6. It features the Caliber HMC 327 with a mechanical steel movement and a black Kudu strap with pin steel clasp. For the first time, Ali Bin Ali Jewellery and Watches Group has displayed a collection of Vanity Fair’s designs for the House of Garrard, inspired by its designs during the early years of the mid-18th century. Also, for the first time in Qatar, Marzooq Al Shamlan & Sons. presented a special and exclusive experience to visitors by giving them the opportunity to design their own rosary. Reem Al Shammari, Qatari Designer, launched a special watch at the DJWE 2018.

Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2018 is organized by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), in collaborating with Auditoire to provide visitors with an exclusive experience combining authentic hospitality and modern style. The event is one of the fastest-growing events on the world’s luxury events agenda and enhances its position as a key player in this field by adding activities and events that are suitable for exhibitors and visitors alike.