Visitor surge adds shine to Sharjah jewellery show
|
The MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show has reached another milestone in its 23-year history as it crossed the 60,000 visitor turnout mark during its just-concluded 42nd edition at Expo Centre Sharjah.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show attracted 61,659 visitors during its five-day run from 4 to 8 April, 2017.
“The MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show has once again delivered a better than expected performance. It was a wonderful show in terms of quality and quantity of footfall, visitor experience, superior content, exhibitor satisfaction, and overall show management. There was substantial increase in the number of visitors, from the previous show’s 57,180 to 61,659 this time, an impressive rise of nearly 8%,” said H.E. Abdalla Sultan Mohamed Al Owais, Chairman, Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry & Expo Centre Sharjah.
H.E. Al Owais attributed the show’s continued success to the rising demand for gold and diamond jewellery in the region, festive buying by tourists and residents, Sharjah’s reputation as a family and business-friendly destination, the extensive social media campaign carried out by Expo Centre and the popularity of the MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show.
With more than 500 exhibitors from over 20 countries occupying 30,000 sq metres of exhibition space at all the six halls at Expo Centre Sharjah, the 41st MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show became the largest jewellery showcase of its kind in the region featuring a diverse range of products.
From Mr Vace Istanboulli of Istanboulli Gioielli Milano, to Mr Dilip Popley of Popley Kewalram Jewellers, and Mr Abdul Wahid Al Marzouqi of Al Mandoos Jewellery, every exhibitor was unanimous that they had a great show.
Visitors had plenty of variety to choose from and keep them engaged inside the halls. While National Pavilions from India, Hong Kong, Italy, Lebanon, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and China provided them exclusive access to traditional and contemporary works from those countries, the daily raffle draw offered them an exciting opportunity to win diamond rings and a mega prize of a diamond jewellery set.
|
“The show succeeded in presenting the best of the designs and creations from across the world at a single venue for the region’s discerning jewellery lovers and trade community. For exhibitors, the show turned out to be the best platform to gain instant access to a market that has one of the highest per capita spending on luxury products,” said H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah.
“Though ours is not a price sensitive market, the growing economy and the likely drop in gold prices will help in further increasing global interest in the regional market and improving consumer confidence, which will add more excitement to the spring edition of the show next year,” added H.E. Al Midfa.
Taking part for the 16th time, Al Mandoos Jewellery sees the show as a great opportunity to introduce new products and meet its B2B and B2C clients. “We have all the leading names from across the world over here and most of them own manufacturing units which help us in meeting them and striking deals with them,” Mr Abdul Wahid Al Marzouqi.
For first-time participants, the show was a great entry point to a high-potential market. “It was our first time and the show was much better than our expectations. We were extremely happy to be in a new market, present our jewellery, and win new clients. We will certainly be back for the next show,” said Mr Dilip Popley of Popley Kewalram Jewellers.
Istanboulli Gioielli Milano was at the show for the third time and is already looking forward to the next edition. “We are very pleased with the response we received. We were able to impress visitors with our exquisite jewellery designs that are all made in Italy,” said Mr Vace Istanboulli.
Buoyed by the positive response, majority of the exhibitors have already booked their space for the next edition of the biannual show. They concur that the MidEast Watch & Jewellery is the most reliable platform that helps them explore the market, gain access to high-networth individuals, launch new products, network with clients and identify their requirements, and present latest trends.