Held under the patronage of His Royal Highness the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, this annual global exhibition is the largest and most prestigious showcase of jewellery and watches in the Middle East.
Over 550 exhibitors from 27 nations are due to unveil their latest precious creations during the five day spectacular to an expected audience of 50,000 visitors. The dazzling array of products on show includes new product launches, exclusive collector items, antiques, plus an incredible range of finished jewellery, luxury watches and precious stones from around the world.
The Minister of Industry and Commerce and Chairman of the Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority Dr. Hassan A. Fakhro praised the Jewellery Arabia series.
“This exhibition has firmly established itself as the largest and most prestigious jewellery and watch event in the Middle East since its inception in 1992. This prime industry event has special significance to Bahrain. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Gulf’ due to its illustrious pearling history and strategic location, Bahrain has been a destination for traders and craftsmen from surrounding countries for more than 4,000 years. In these modern times the Jewellery Arabia series perpetuates this rich tradition of international trade and commerce by bringing together the finest jewellery houses and watch manufacturers from around the world,” the Minister, added.
Amongst the many participants lining up to exhibit in Bahrain are some of the most famous master jewellers and watchmakers in the world. Eminent names at Jewellery Arabia 2011 include Breguet, De Beers, Chanel, Chopard, Corum, Harry Winston, Hublot, Omega, Panerai, Patek Phillipe, Piaget, Van Cleef & Arpels and Vacheron Constantin amongst numerous others.
“It is always a pleasure to participate in such a prestigious event in Manama. The high quality profile of the exhibitors continues to attract interested and enthusiastic consumers and collectors from all over the GCC region,” said Hugues Jucker, Chopard’s Middle East Sales Manager.
“Harry Winston is continuing supporting the oldest watch and jewellery fair in the region. Jewellery Arabia has always been a key event for the most prestigious watch and jewellery brands and has always attracted a very high profile clientele. We are pleased to attend the 2011 edition in all confidence,” said Marc Antoine Abadie, Harry Winston’s Regional Director.
Joining these high profile brands are some of the Middle East’s finest retailers and manufacturers, led by a selection of some of Bahrain’s leading jewellers. They include Bahrain Jewellery Centre, Asia Jewellers, Al Mahmood Pearls, Al Zain, Devji and AJM Kooheji among others.
“Bahrain Jewellery Centre has regularly participated in the exhibition since its inception in 1992. Jewellery Arabia is one of largest and best organised jewellery and watch shows in the Middle East and it showcases spectacular latest collections from world renowned jewellers and watch manufactures. We achieved good business last year even amid the global economic recession. BJC looks forward to participating at Jewellery Arabia 2011 with an increasing number of jewellers and watch manufactures under our pavilion,” said Mohammed Iqbal Dhanse, Bahrain Jewellery Centre’s General Manager.
“We are proud to continue to have such a strong presence at this landmark show, which firmly places Bahrain as the regional leader of the jewellery industry. The support of the Government of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Royal Highness the Prime Minister, has succeeded in establishing a benchmark for the industry and attracting international attention to the Kingdom. The interest we receive from our international partners and the continued expansion that we undertake each year is evidence that this show is a trend-setting event in the global market,” Mohammed Mahmood Jaffar, Asia Jewellers’ Chairman, said.
Large national groups of companies from leading jewellery exporting countries complements the line up of participants at Jewellery Arabia 2011 as pavilions from Brazil, Hong Kong, India, and Malaysia are set to exhibit the very best designs, precious materials and manufacturing capabilities their countries have to offer. The talent of local jewellers will also be spotlighted by a dedicated pavilion of Bahrain jewellers, coordinated by Tamkeen.
“The Hong Kong Jewelry Manufacturers’ Association (HJKMA) has been bringing groups to Jewellery Arabia since 1992, and views the exhibition as an important trade gateway to the Middle East region,” Henry Lau, HJKMA’s Exhibition Officer, said.
“The jewellery trade has significantly strengthened India’s relationship with the Middle East, and the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) views Jewellery Arabia 2011 as an important platform for increased bilateral trade,” Rajiv Jain, GJEPC chairman, said.
“Jewellery Arabia’s variety, size and quality set it apart from other exhibitions in the region. Giant brands, designers of unique pieces, and a multicultural mix of national pavilions all exhibit alongside each other and combine to make this such an exceptional event,” Fawzi Al Shehabi, Arabian Exhibition Management’s Director of Sales and Marketing, said.
Further highlighting the importance of Jewellery Arabia to the Middle East jewellery and watch industry, for the seventh successive year, the Middle East Watches, Jewellery and Pen Awards will be held on the sidelines of the exhibition at the Ritz Carlton Hotel Bahrain on 22 November.
Hosted by MPP ME, publishers of the industry magazine title Arabian Watches and Jewellery (AWJ), the Awards are the culmination of an online public voting system and the analysis of an elite committee comprising of watch, jewellery and pen experts.
Fostering cohesion amongst Jewellery Arabia participants whilst also acknowledging their individual contribution to the industry, the ceremony will be a star-studded event with the expected presence of specially invited dignitaries and senior professionals representing the international and regional watch, jewellery and pen industries.
Jewellery Arabia will open from 16.00 to 22.00 on Tuesday 22 November to Friday 25 November. On Saturday 26 November the exhibition will open from 10.00 to 13.00 and 16.00 to 22.00.