Sponsors of Qatar’s wedding exhibition and fashion show (iWED) will introduce new concepts to the country during the event as the stage is being set for its fifth edition from April 4-7, organisers announced yesterday.Qatar Expo chief operating officer Georges Saliba said: “We are very proud to partner with the region’s most famous names in fashion, stylists, cosmetics, wedding planners and other wedding related services. iWED 2012 promises to be an outstanding event providing brides-to-be with full-fledged services and products. I am certain every couple planning for their wedding will find what they are looking for.”One of the new concepts on show is the American franchise Dashing Diva Salon Doha, a diamond sponsor, which will open its door in Qatar this month.Dashing Diva general manager Jihad al-Khalidi said: “Although there are many beauty salons in this city, we offer a unique concept where you can find a huge selection of nail polish colours (more than 150 colours to choose from), hundreds of easy-to-apply pre-decorated nails, the revolutionary new virtual nails, all the latest nail care trends and techniques in a unique and fun atmosphere where you can relax and unwind with friends and daughters.”He added that iWED as a unique trade show would be the perfect platform to introduce the salon’s new concept to the target clients in Doha and network with peers from the same industry.Lebanese designer Ibrahim Khachan, who is also a diamond sponsor said: “iWED is a show that helps mark Qatar as a fashion and beauty destination and puts it on the map and as a fashion designer I want to be part of this process.”Khachan, whose current client list includes royal families from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, is renowned for his eye for style and his elegant, innovative designs has attracted many royal figures enticed by his creativity and sense of style. He will showcase his spring and summer collection.The third diamond sponsor is also known for her passion for hairstyling, Fadia el-Mendelek.“For those in the beauty industry, participation in iWED is key. This is the best place to show our unique services to the right target audience and help increase the beauty standards in Doha and mark it as a fashion and beauty destination,” El-Mendelek said.Visitors to El-Mendelek’s booth at the iWED will have the chance to win a makeover and style by the stylist herself. The ‘Zaffa’ (Middle Eastern tradition of walking the bride and groom into their wedding while chanting marriage songs) is a significant part of weddings in the Middle East. Zaffat studios, the catwalk host sponsors, have been well established in Qatar and specialise in all types of Zaffas.iWED 2012 will also feature Frank Provost and Nails as the Hair and Nail sponsor. Franck Provost Paris combines the “best of both worlds for hair and beauty, giving its clients an exclusive French hairstyling salon”. Nails is a professional nail and skin care salon in Doha, established in March 2005 and has four locations in Doha.While Qvision and Elegant Events are the iWED 2012 wedding principal sponsors, Vera Wang and Al Muftah Rent a Car are the support sponsor and annual partner respectively.iWED 2012, which will feature appearances from internationally renowned wedding planner Sarah Haywood, who will be giving advice to new bride and grooms to be, will also including a fashion show by one of the world’s top designers Robert Abi Nader, who has been referred to by Jack Yan from Lucine Magazine as “the king of Middle Eastern couture, if not the king, then he certainly comes near”.