* Exhibition attracts more than 32,000 visitors at DECC
* 34% growth in number of visitors from 2019
* Event hosts 129 exhibitors from 14 countries, showing 68% growth from previous edition
* 18 Young Qatari Designers earn praise of jewellery connoisseurs


The Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition (DJWE) concluded on February 29 with "record participation" from both exhibitors and visitors, the organisers have said.

Organised by Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre (DECC) under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz al-Thani, DJWE 2020 hosted 129 exhibitors from 14 countries, showing a 68% growth from the previous edition.

The event attracted more than 32,000 aficionados of luxurious ornaments and timepieces, demonstrating a 34% growth in the number of visitors from 2019, according to a press statement from QNTC.

The 18th edition of DJWE will return next year, taking place from February 22 to 27.

HE Akbar al-Baker, secretary-general of QNTC and Group chief executive of Qatar Airways, said: “This edition of DJWE boasted of the largest number of exhibitors to date, representing a record number of countries. Such numbers demonstrate the influence of this prestigious event for both industry and consumers.

“With more exhibition space than ever before to accommodate a diverse and growing array of brands, DJWE attracts the biggest names in jewellery and watchmaking. As we conclude yet another successful event in 2020, we are already looking ahead to our 18th edition next year to ensure that the event continues to grow each year.”

The opening ceremony was attended by a large number of dignitaries, exhibitors and partners, led by QNB as the official sponsor, Qatar Airways as the official airline partner, JW Marriott Marquis City Center Doha as the official hospitality partner, Alfardan Automotive and Sotheby’s International Realty Qatar.

Bollywood celebrity Sonam Kapoor was also present as the face of QNTC’s promotional campaign titled 'Journey into Wonder'. Aired in 16 regional and international markets, the campaign has reached over 450mn people, furthering Qatar as a world-class destination, the statement notes.

Among the highlights of this year’s event was the participation of 18 Young Qatari Designers – the largest representation since the initiative began four years ago – illustrating the country’s steadily developing pool of homegrown talent. New participants included: H Jewellery, Kaltham's Pavilion, Camelot Jewellery, Clair De Lune Jewellery and Letters Passion Arts, while the returning brands were Trifoglio, Ghada Albuainain Jewellery, Nouf Jewellery, Ghand Jewellery, Leila Issam Fine Jewellery, Hairaat Fine Jewellery, Sarah’s & Co, AlGhla Jewellery, Hessa Jewels, Midad Jewellery and Thameen Jewellery.

The collections presented by these young designers incorporated pieces inspired from local elements such as a desert rose or sadou weaving patterns. The locally sourced pearls drew the special attention of visitors.

This year’s exhibition covered 33,000sqm, the largest yet, and featured spectacular pavilions from Qatar’s seven industry powerhouses: Alfardan Jewellery, Ali Bin Ali Luxury, Al Majed Jewellery, Amiri Gems, Fifty One East, Al Muftah Jewellery and Blue Salon, as well as two exclusive pavilions dedicated to Indian and Turkish offerings.

The Indian pavilion housed 28 leading brands showcasing the country’s varied craftsmanship and styles, while the Turkish pavilion featured 11 established Turkish brands. In addition, De Beers and Le Portique Jewellery made their first appearance at DJWE, as they prepare to launch stores in Qatar, while Jawaher introduced its new brand Lenore to the region.



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