The 15th Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) will feature more than 400 brands from over 10 countries at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre from February 21 to 26, it was announced.
Under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, the event is presented by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) and delivered by Auditoire.
According to the organisers, DJWE will witness a wide range of classic and contemporary luxury collections by internationally-recognised brands and designers at a 29,000sq m area.
“The exhibition showcases Qatar as an attractive destination for luxury seekers around the world,” QTA’s exhibitions director Ahmed al-Obaidli told a press conference.
As one of the oldest exhibitions in the country, he stressed that DJWE serves as a testimony to the development of exhibitions and various infrastructures providing local and international expertise in this sector.
The six-day event will also witness 28 exhibitors from Qatar and 13 international exhibitors, which will display exclusive pieces from the world’s most prestigious jewellery and watch brands.
“This year’s edition is being held for the 15th consecutive year and the large number of participants from different countries shows the confidence that international, regional and local brands have for the exhibition,” al-Obaidli noted, adding that DJWE provides a networking platform for companies and visitors in Qatar and beyond.
He expressed optimism that new visa measures, especially the visa-free entry for citizens of 80 countries, will attract a large number of foreign visitors to the event.
Visitors, watch enthusiasts and collectors will also have the chance to take part in the consultations and valuations about the industry conducted by the iconic French auction house Artcurial, according to Auditoire’s Middle East vice president Mazen Abd Rabbo.
He said French watchmaking experts Objectif Horlogerie will return to DJWE to showcase the art of their craftsmanship by allowing watch connoisseurs to participate in a master workshop – complete with accredited diplomas for each participant.
Rabbo added that the event this year will also introduce a variety of new experiences for both exhibitors and visitors such as a one-day forum, daily industry talks and “bespoke jewellery workshops.”
The DJWE Forum will provide unique networking opportunities and will bring together for the first-time global watchmakers and jewellery communities, who will share their expertise and vision with all watches and jewellery enthusiasts, organisers said. It will also offer market insights and options for industry networking and potential new partnerships.
Qatar’s premier and historical jewellery patrons, credited for initiating the DJWE 15 years ago, returns to the 15th edition: Alfardan Jewellery Company, Al Majed Jewellery, Ali Bin Ali Group, Amiri Gems WLL and Fifty One East.
“As an exhibition bucking international trends, the DJWE continues to build on its legacy of representing this beautiful country’s commitment to offering best of the best,” Rabbo pointed out.
Other DJWE features:
- DJWE 2018 will also hold a charity auction for pieces designed by young Qatari designers.
- Organisers will set up a children’s nursery/playground aimed at giving parents an opportunity to visit each stall at the event.
- Valet parking.
- International exhibitors include David Webb, Suzanne Kalan and Bellina Collections from the United States; Santosh Jewellers and Bellina Collections from India; Veschetti from Italy; Charles Oudin and Djula from France; Armanor Jewellery from Lebanon; Al-Zain from Bahrain; and Expert Expo from Turkey.
