Blue Salon vice chairman Nabil AR Abu Issa said social media has played “a very strong role” in raising awareness and in promoting the exhibition.
“The organisers of DJWE had invited top bloggers from the GCC; and it’s amazing because it was very effective in terms of getting the word out to a wider audience,” Abu Issa told Gulf Times.
“People from both Qatar and other parts of the region have been coming to the exhibition looking for pieces that were posted online by these bloggers; so that worked out very well for the exhibition, and technology has played a role in bringing so much attention to the event,” he stressed.
Aside from social media, Abu Issa also underscored the role of e-Commerce in the jewellery and watches industry. “Social media is taking over bigtime. As a company, Blue Salon has a department dedicated only to social media,” he said, adding that the company plans to add more websites.
Abu Issa also noted that the market for high-end watches and jewellery in Qatar “is doing well.”
“Qatar is a good market for high-end jewellery, especially the very limited edition pieces. Mainly, these items are sought after by collectors. And these people, including myself, show a lot of passion in what they do. They’re not going to stop,” Abu Issa noted.
Abu Issa said Blue Salon is always seeking to increase its presence in the exhibition by including added value to the wide range of brands under its wing, “and to bring in more unique items so that people may enjoy and appreciate them.”
He also expressed big hopes for Qatari jewellery brands in the global market, citing government support and social responsibility from the private sector as among the key factors that would help propel Qatari jewellery brands further into the international market.
“The exhibition is a good platform for Qatar’s jewellery industry to further gain international recognition. There is a pavilion here that is only for Qatari jewellery designers, and I think that is a result of this event and people saw an opportunity to do business,” he pointed out.
He added: “The pavilion showcases high-quality products and soon they may be seen in bigger exhibitions and events…it’s a big push for them; Qatari bloggers have even covered participating Qatari brands to give them further exposure.”
