WJD’S International Appeal Rises With 16% Increase In International Participation

With an impressive 16% increase in the number of international participants to 405 and a noticeable growth in the overall exhibitor numbers to 460, Watch & Jewellery Dubai 2005 (WJD 2005) organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), is set to usher in a new era for gold, jewellery and allied sectors in the Middle East and Africa region.

The premier exhibition that acts as the largest and the most significant platform for gold and jewellery traders and end users in the GCC and the neighbouring regions, is opening doors on December 5, 2005 at the Central and West halls of the refurbished and expanded Airport Expo Dubai.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Dubai, DWTC Director General, Helal Saeed Khalfan Al Marri said: “The increase in international participation underlines the growing international appeal of the show among the trade worldwide and emphasises the role of WJD as the perfect launch-pad for international companies to expand their market operations within the region.”

Mr. Al Marri noted that 405 of the total 460 exhibitors i.e. a total of 88% participating exhibitors are international exhibitors with 12% from the national market underlining the show’s international focus.

WJD 2005 has several noteworthy features including a Designer Piazza, a larger Branded Jewellery Section, a Diamond Day hosted by the Diamond Trading Company (DTC) of De Beers Group, and Gold Expressions organised by the World Gold Council.

“We are anticipating a 20% increase in footfall to a projected 17,000 trade and public visitors at WJD 2005 in line with the growth in international participation at the event,” Mr. Al Marri observed. Last year’s event attracted a total of 14,150 visitors, of which 3,319 registered as trade.

The show will be open to trade visitors and VIPs on December 5 and 7, while both the trade and the public will have access on the evenings of December 8 and 9.

The Designer Piazza, featuring 12 of the top collections from around the world selected on the basis of their creativity and innovation, will be among the major attractions. Another attraction would be the Gold Expressions, organised by the World Gold Council to highlight the manufacturing capabilities of the local market.

A colourful and flamboyant Latin style Brazilian pavilion organized under the auspices of the Brazilian Jewellery Association IGBM is debuting at the show. There will be strong representation from Belgium, Italy, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Thailand, Korea, Lebanon and Turkey for this year’s show.

The Diamond Trading Company (DTC), Dubai Diamond Exchange, Gemmological Institute of America, International Gemmological Institute, Dubai Metals and Commodities Centre (DMCC) are some of the institutions organising seminars and workshops during WJD 2005. DMCC have also taken a larger stand this year at the WJD 2005, as they plan to launch a new industry service during the event

“The primary objective of organising these seminars is to encourage an exchange of ideas between industry professionals, international experts and their regional counterparts to provide a platform for people involved in jewellery and allied sectors to interact,” said Elisa Seminari, International Project Manager, Watch & Jewellery Dubai of DWTC.

As WJD moves ahead with its extensive trade focus, these seminars display DWTC’s commitment to supporting the transfer of knowledge within the industry.

This five-day event which also sees the display of exquisite jewellery and watch items from around the world including diamond, platinum, plain gold, sliver, pearl and coloured gemstone jewellery, loose diamonds, pearls, precious and semi-precious stones, mountings, watches, packaging and display materials and manufacturing tools and machinery.
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