By Joey Aguilar
Staff Reporter

The 12th edition of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, scheduled from February 24 to 28, 2015 at Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), will feature more than 500 international brands.

The exhibition will be held under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani.

"The total exhibition space, 25,000 sqm, spread across five halls at the QNCC, is 25% more than last year" Qatar Tourism Authority’s (QTA) director of exhibitions Hamad al-Abdan announced yesterday.

Besides familiar names, he said visitors will also see many new brands at the exhibition which have entered the Qatari market recently.

“An important feature of this exhibition is the presence of Qatari talents and local brands,” noted al-Abdan. “We are proud to confirm that the upcoming exhibition will be even bigger than the previous one.”

"There is a new layout and fresh approach to the look and feel of the venue, which would ensure an enhanced experience not only for visitors and exhibitors, but also provide a richer interaction between brands and their clientele,” the QTA official observed.

The annual event has also evolved into one of the most preferred “business-to-consumer platforms” for the international and regional luxury sector, according to al-Abdan.

“We feel confident that year on year, the goals of this exhibition are being upheld and that its success has firmly established Doha in the global luxury sector’s map,”

Ibrahim Abdullah al-Malki, chief enterprise officer at q.media, echoed the statements of al-Abdan saying the exhibition continues to grow in terms of participation and reputation.

The past exhibitions saw a large number of visitors who had the opportunity to see the best jewellery and timepiece brands in the world.

Al-Abdan said the annual event also boosts Qatar’s business tourism, which continues to grow fast in the past years.

QTA wants to maintain this phase by tapping Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions or popularly known as MICE market, which “we believe will be worth up to $1.5mn by 2030.”

He said they are working hard to ensure the country competes with the region’s current business tourism destinations by strengthening the growth of its MICE sector.

Known as “the new meeting place for the world,” he cited QNCC’s appeal as a venue for high level meetings, conferences and shows.

“Only a small number of cities boast one world class exhibition and conference venue – MICE organisers looking at Qatar are spoilt for choice,” said al-Abdan.

Aleix Salvado, Qatar business manager, Fira Barcelona, added that the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition has been gaining immense respect at the international level year on year.

The Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition 2015, themed “Timeless Elegance,” is expected to charm visitors in a grand display of style and luxury.

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