(MENAFN- The Peninsula) By Raynald C Rivera | The Peninsula
DOHA: The quindecennial edition of Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE), one of the longest running exhibitions in Qatar and one of the largest luxury exhibitions in the region, kicked off to a glittering start yesterday at Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).
The six-day event, held under the patronage of Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, was officially opened by Minister of Economy and Commerce H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani.
'We are very happy today because we are celebrating the 15th anniversary of the show and it has been growing and expanding. Today we have more than 400 brands offered by 47 exhibitors from 10 countries, Ahmed Al Obaidli, Director of Exhibitions at Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) told local media at the opening event.
The launch of the first-ever DJWE Forum, the return of Young Qatari Designers (YQDs) initiative and the charity auction which will benefit Education Above All are among the main features of this year's show which Al Obaidli highlighted.
Al Obaidli expressed optimism on the turnout of this year's show with QTA's more aggressive campaigns to promote the country as a tourist destination.
Minister of Economy and Commerce H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al Thani with other dignitaries at the inauguration of the exhibition yesterday. Pic: Baher Amin / The Peninsula
'We have launched ‘Qatar Welcomes the World' campaign in which we focus on different target markets. Last year, we also launched visa waiver to 80 different nationalities. For this exhibition, we have partnered with Qatar Airways for a promotion providing 25 percent discount to those travelling to Qatar just for the jewellery show. Last year there were 19,000 visitors and with these campaigns we are having now we are hoping to increase this number, he said.
Al Obaidli stressed the Prime Minister and Interior Minister's patronage of the exhibition as a clear expression of the government's commitment towards developing the country's tourism sector through supporting and sponsoring exhibitions and events that are the major platforms of business events and contribute to achieving the objectives of the Next Chapter of the National Tourism Sector Strategy.
The pavilion, which showcases jewellery collections of six up-and-coming Qatari designers participating at the second YQDs initiative, has been conspicuously set up right at the entrance of the venue showing the great importance the show gives to nurturing local talent and creativity. Qatari 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) are showcasing their new collections alongside renowned international brands at the show. Six bespoke pieces by YQDs will be auctioned by AlBahie Auction House on Sunday, proceeds of which will all go to Education Above All (EAA) foundation.
Fine jewellery workshops led by master craftsmen and complimentary watchmaking sessions by French watchmaking expert Objectif Horlogerie began yesterday and will continue to be held daily until the last day of the exhibition.
Scheduled today is the inaugural Watches and Jewellery Forum sponsored by Fifty One East. To be held at Shangri-La Doha this morning, this new initiative will highlight jewellery designers' role in refining the jewelry and gem industry in local and international markets.
International watches experts Artcurial are providing watch collectors free consultations and valuations daily.
Organised by QTA and delivered by Auditoire, DJWE 2018 is open to visitors until Monday from 12 noon until 10pm. On Friday, it will be open from 4pm to 10pm.
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