Doha: Doha's Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) will return in 2016 for the 13th edition between February 23-27 at the new Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) the event's organizer Qatar Tourism Authority announced.

For the first time since its inception the DJWE will feature jewellery and watches workshops for enthusiasts and designers to learn from experts on creating their own pieces. It will be held across over 29000 square meters of exhibiting space an increase of 16 percent on the 2015 edition.

A significant number of new exhibitors from Qatar KSA France Germany Italy and Australia take part in this year's edition. In all exhibitors from over 27 countries are set to feature this year.

The exhibition is also offering free on the spot gem assessment provided by the International Gemological Institute the DJWE's laboratory and education partner for visitors looking to validate the quality of their stones.

"DJWE is an admirable example of Qatari success and after the significant year we've had for business events I am delighted that the industry will kick off 2016 with one of the world's leading jewelry and watch exhibitions" said Hamad Al Abdan QTA head of exhibitions during a press conference to reveal details about the exhibition. "Qatar is undoubtedly the pre-eminent location in which to appreciate the highest quality of products and I call on exhibitors to take on this opportunity to showcase their creations in this unique setting."

Uniquely among the world's jewelry trade shows the DJWE permits exhibitors to sell directly to the public.

Many celebrated brands will be returning to the exhibition in 2016 including each of the 500 that attended the 2015 edition while many more than previously will be participating for the first time in 2016 and an unprecedented 30000 visitors are expected.

Jaber Al-Ansari Group CEO of DJWE organizer Elan Group said that while DJWE's standing has risen to become the leading exhibition in the region this year's edition will see new features and improvements in a number of areas.

"Since the Elan Group took over the organizing of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition it has succeeded in building an international profile in the exhibitions industry with DJWE now considered one of the biggest exhibitions of its kind in the region" Al-Ansari said.

"Visitors this year will experience easy registration that is available via an improved online application and VIPs will have special access to a private viewing room. Visitors will also be able to take part in workshops offered by a number of exhibitors and we have partnered with the International Gemological Institute to provide a free and on-the-spot certification of gems. This year pearls and men’s watches will feature prominently with specially crafted visitor routes to facilitate easy navigation between exhibiting brands" he added.

DJWE's international credentials are re-affirmed with the participation in the 2016 event's organization by Fira Barcelona one of the most important trade fair organizations in Europe and Spain's market leader.

Miquel Serrano Fira international business development director expressed his pleasure to be involved. "We are delighted to be part of the organization of DJWE 2016 in association with QTA and ELAN" he said "and with our Qatar partners we are working hard to create a magnificent event for February."

Speaking on behalf of DJWE 2016 diamond sponsor QNB Yousef Darwish general manager of group communications said QNB is pleased and proud to continue its sponsorship of the exhibition. "We have sponsored DJWE for many years now and as Qatar's economic expansion and development continues it is important to continue to support this spectacular and highly successful show which in 2016 promises again to be highly beneficial for the local economy."

QNA