(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Five-day exhibition opens at expo centre sharjah
shaikh khalid bin abdullah abdullah bin mohammed al owais government officials and dignitaries touring the exhibition. — kt photo by m. sajjad
jewellery retailers are confident that the surge in consumer demand that drove sales last year to pre-2008 levels will continue this year too as the region’s largest showcase of gold and diamond jewellery got under way at expo centre sharjah on tuesday.
with the participating exhibitors expecting the show to be an indicator of consumer demand for the rest of the year the five-day mideast watch and jewellery show was opened by shaikh khalid bin abdullah bin sultan al qasimi chairman of sharjah sea ports and customs.
the opening ceremony was attended by abdullah bin mohammed al owais chairman sharjah chamber of commerce and industry; saif mohammed al midfa ceo expo centre sharjah; government officials dignitaries and industry representatives.
“after the biggest fall in 30 years last year when the precious metal lost nearly 30 per cent of its value gold prices are likely to be less volatile this year which will be great news to jewellery buffs. apart from this positive consumer sentiment that is backed by a growing economy will further spur demand for gold and diamond jewellery” said al midfa.
according to the world gold council there was a 21 per cent increase in demand for gold jewellery last year which stood at a historic high of 3863.5 tonnes. in fact 2013 recorded the largest volume increase in annual jewellery demand since 1997 and marked a return to pre-crisis levels.
initial indications point out that the demand for consumer gold items has been healthy during the first quarter of 2014 and since price expectations have stabilised the demand is likely to carry into the second quarter too.
“the affinity for gold jewellery runs deep in our part of the world and when this is combined with an increasingly affluent population sales are likely to be on the higher side. further we have the best regional showcase of finest gold and diamond jewellery from across the world in the form of the mideast watch and jewellery show” al midfa added. featuring more than 450 exhibitors representing master jewellers and leading jewellery chains from across the world at 20000 square metres of exhibition space the 36th edition of the show is being held under the patronage of his highness dr shaikh sultan bin mohammed al qasimi member of supreme council and ruler of sharjah. it will continue until saturday. “the show is one of our flagship events that is synonymous with sharjah and its growth. the show continues to hold the distinction of the only event that is held twice a year has the highest rate of exhibitor retention and regular vip customers. it is one rare consumer fair that is popular among both the general public and trade visitors” said mohamed amjed project manager of the mideast watch and jewellery show.
national pavilions which has been one of the mainstays of the show are featuring a rich repertoire of gold and diamond jewellery precious & semi-precious stones pearl sets gemstones and branded watches. this time hong kong-china india italy malaysia singapore and thailand have national pavilions.
visitors can also look up to the thailand pavilion which is showcasing dazzling gold and diamond jewellery under the brand ‘ploi thai’. the ploi thai fashion show being held for the third consecutive time is featuring top models from thailand presenting ‘ploi thai’ creations. it is scheduled to run from 7pm to 8pm daily during the show.
“ploi thai is a branding initiative to promote thailand’s expertise in coloured gems and craft of making the coloured gemstone jewellery. every jewel bearing the ploi thai brand would be symbolic of being manufactured in thailand and a proud addition to a jewellery lover’s collection” he added.
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