The 19th edition of the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (DJWE) kicked off Monday at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, showcasing limited-edition pieces and an extensive display of luxury collections from more than 500 brands.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani inaugurated the exhibition and toured the pavilions, where he was briefed on the most prominent collections displayed by Qatari and international companies participating in DJWE. He was also briefed on the most important new designs of jewellery, watches and rare gemstones, Qatar News Agency reported.

The opening ceremony was attended by a number of sheikhs and ministers, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the State, senior officials and businesspersons, as well as representatives of the exhibiting companies.

The ceremony was also attended by celebrities and famous personalities, including Irina Shayk, Nasser al-Attiyah, Mutaz Barsham and others.

HE Sheikh Khalid toured the elegant pavilions created by Qatar’s leading jewellery brands and had a private viewing of some of their latest collections at DJWE – dubbed as the longest-running event in Qatar’s annual social calendar.

Unique to DJWE’s latest edition is an auditory element to its campaign, featuring an exclusive musical score created by renowned Qatari composer Dana Alfardan.

In a press statement, Qatar Tourism Chairman and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive HE Akbar al-Baker said: “Over the past two decades, we’ve seen DJWE become the epitome of luxury and design, offering thousands of visitors a truly unforgettable experience. The combination of visitors being able to directly meet and interact with renowned designers and new participants like regional powerhouse Damas, will make this year’s edition even more of a success.”

The six-day event, which brought together local and international designers under one roof, provides an opportunity for visitors to see an extensive display of luxury collections from more than 500 brands.

Showcasing rare and exceptional jewellery and timepieces from the most prominent jewellers, Qatar Tourism stressed that DJWE proved to be “a one-of-a-kind and currently the region’s largest business-to-consumer show”.

The event was organised by Qatar Tourism and Qatar Business Events Corporation with Qatar Airways as the Official Airline Partner and Qatar National Bank as the Official Sponsor.

QNB Group’s Chief Business Officer Yousef Mahmoud al-Neama said: “QNB Group is proud of its participation as the Official Sponsor for the 19th edition of DJWE, which has become the mark of luxury in Qatar and the region.

“Sponsoring this event, which established an annual tradition for the Bank, affirms our commitment to support national events and implement the Qatar National Vision 2030 aimed at diversifying the local economy.

“In addition, our participation provides an important opportunity to position the QNB brand among the world’s finest luxury brands, while encouraging local talents. I wish the exhibition a great success, and all guests and participants a most rewarding and enjoyable time at this much-anticipated annual event.”

Speaking on Education Above All Foundation’s (EAA) partnership series of “Designing With a Purpose” and their long-running collaboration with DJWE which featured jewellery brand partnerships in the past such as Chopard, Richard Mille, and now special designs by Valentino and Qatari jewelers for DJWE 2023, EAA’s Director of Partnerships, Parintaj Ankleshvria, said: “We appreciate the organisers of DJWE supporting EAA’s mission to transform lives through education.

“Awareness and money raised from these unique jewellery collaborations will support EAA’s commitment to bringing new life chances, real hope and opportunities to improve the lives of poor and marginalised children, youth and women especially in the developing world through access to inclusive and equitable quality education.”

Alfardan Group Vice-Chairman and Alfardan Jewellery President Ali Alfardan said: “Once again, Alfardan Jewellery will exhibit an unparalleled collection at the 19th edition of DJWE, highlighting unique and elegant gems and pieces, even from our very own Qatari brand. We thank all our customers and visitors for their encouragement as always.”

Speaking on Ali Bin Ali Luxury’s participation in the region’s most important jewellery and watches exhibition, Ali Bin Ali Luxury COO Awn Zureikat said: “DJWE is truly a global platform for luxury brands, and it’s getting bigger every year. Ali Bin Ali Luxury is proud of its long-standing association with this landmark event, and we are glad to be a part of this success story, where creativity, exclusivity, art and beauty are all represented at this exhibition.

On behalf Al Majed Jewellery, Al Majed Jewellery Vice-Chairman Jamil bin Mahdi al-Majed said: “We are very thrilled to participate in the 19th edition of DJWE and display the latest luxury brands for international and local brands.

“This year’s edition of DJWE is special because it is taking place directly following the exceptional FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which represents a historical turning point for advancing the tourism sector, and the exhibition is an opportunity to host visitors from around the world to attend this distinguished festival.

“In line with the traditions of previous editions, Al Majed Jewellery has established new exclusive partnerships with leading brands that will be unveiled during the exhibition in addition to the many brands that operate under the umbrella of Al Majed Jewellery and are achieving unique success in the Qatari market.”

For his part, Fifty One East Chairman and Managing Director Bader al-Darwish said: “It gives us great pleasure to return to DJWE for its 19th edition. As longstanding supporters of the DJWE, we have proudly watched this event grow from strength to strength, asserting its status as a regional exhibition leader and shining a powerful light on Qatar’s importance as a destination for appreciators of fine jewellery and watches.

“The trust we have built with the DJWE extends to the exceptional brands we represent, with some, such as Rolex, selecting it as the exclusive event besides Watches & Wonders - Geneva to display their latest creations.

“We are sincerely pleased to welcome our dear clients to this year’s DJWE where they will be able to explore the latest novelties from the finest international brands, including pieces that are being revealed for the very first time in the world, coupled with our signature hospitality and excellent after-sales service.”

Commenting on the participation of Amiri Gems, HE Sheikh Nawaf Nasser Bin Khaled al-Thani said: “Since its inception in 1994, Amiri Gems has actively participated in raising the level of jewelry and precious watches trade in the State of Qatar in proportion to the purchasing power of Qatari citizens, which is considered one of the highest in the world.

“Hence, the decision to participate in the permanent annual participation in the DJWE, from its first edition to its 19th edition this year, was the ideal strategic choice for Amiri Gems to continue presenting everything new in the world of luxury, sophistication and beauty.

“Finally, we would like to thank those in charge of managing the exhibition for their hospitality, management and development in a significant way, which contributes to increasing the success and reputation of the exhibition regionally and globally.”

On behalf of Almuftah Jewellery, AlMuftah Group Chairman AbdulRahman AlMuftah said: “Almuftah Jewellery will showcase the most exquisite jewellery and watches from prominent brands around the world in this year’s DJWE. A picturesque display of the latest styles and designs will be featured. Catch the perfect piece and feel the elegance within you. Every year, I look forward to the DJWE as it comes with its influence and opportunities to meet a number of well-known people and brands in the field, especially that it brings together many names and brands under one roof.

“Since 1984, it has been our pleasure to be part of your happy occasions through the presence of our jewellery. And today, we welcome you to the Almuftah Jewellery section at the DJWE 2023 to continue being part of your happy memories.

“As always, we are honoured to present at Almuftah Jewellery a collection of luxurious and sophisticated jewellery and watches from many international brands this year, which we hope you will enjoy.”