By Ramesh Mathew/Staff Reporter

The response from participants to the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE 2016) has been growing since the announcement of its schedule, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) officials said.

The five-day event starting on February 23 will be held at the newly-built Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC).

"We hope to draw much larger crowds at this year's exhibition," QTA's head of exhibitions Hamad al-Abdan said, adding he expects more than 30,000 visitors.

The exhibition will occupy approximately 29,000sqm, which is at least 15% more than the size of last year's venue.

He said at least 45 companies, involving more than 550 brands, from 27 countries would attend the event. The number could go up as entries are closing only tomorrow.

Among the main attractions this year are workshops for watches and jewellery enthusiasts to be held on the sidelines of the event.

"I am delighted that the global calendar of the expos of watches and jewellery in 2016 begins with the Doha exhibition," al-Abdan said at a press conference, adding Qatar is undoubtedly one of the pre-eminent locations where premium luxury goods and accessories are appreciated at different levels.

One of the organisers, Elan Group's group CEO Jaber al-Ansari, said the profile of the event has grown over the years with the participation of companies going up. Easy online registration facility is available for the participants this year.

Al-Ansari said the organisers have partnered with the International Gemological Institute to provide free on-the-spot certification of gems. He said this year's expo features pearls and men's watches. There will be specially crafted visitor routes to facilitate easy navigation between different brands.

Fira Barcelona, a prominent trade fair organisation from Spain is also actively involved in the organising of the DJWE. While expressing happiness at their participation, the company's international business development director Miquel Serrano said they were working hard to ensure that the February event is a magnificent experience for both the participants and visitors.

Yousef Darwish, Group Communications general manager of QNB which is the diamond sponsor of the event, also attended the press conference.

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