Expo Centre Sharjah today announced the success of the MidEast Watch and Jewellery Show, which attracted 61,456 visitors for its 43rd edition. The exhibition concluded on October 7 at the Centre, with notable local and international participation.

Expo Centre Sharjah confirmed that the exhibition, which was held with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has once again demonstrated its leadership on the regional and international levels in attracting the most prominent local and international players and the biggest international and UAE-based brands in the design, manufacture and trade of watches and jewellery.

This edition of the show saw significant participation from a wide range of traders, investors and entrepreneurs from across the UAE and the region. Stakeholders participating in the show signed deals, formed partnerships, promoted emerging businesses and achieved the maximum benefits from the event, which is considered the most important seasonal platform in the country and the wider region.

The exhibition, which attracted more than 500 local, regional and international companies, exceeded the expectations of most exhibitors, in light of Expo Centre Sharjah’s initiative to allocate numerous valuable prizes to visitors who made purchases valued Dhs 500 or more. Shoppers were given the chance to enter daily draws for a luxurious Mercedes Benz, 2-kg gold bars, diamond rings, and many other prizes.

Sharjah Chamber's initiative to dedicate a special pavilion for Emirati designers under the umbrella of the exhibition was an additional factor that attracted visitors to the show, providing them with an opportunity to learn about the work and innovations of the UAE's young and innovative talents in the jewellery industry. The initiative, which included nine Emirati designers, is the first of its kind within the framework of the Chamber's efforts to support young entrepreneurs, develop their professional and marketing skills in this field, and enable them to develop competitive brands capable of competing on an international level.

HE Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed his gratitude to His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, for his patronage and generous support of the exhibition. This reflects the keenness of the country’s wise leadership to support various sectors of the national economy, including the development of specialized exhibitions; an initiative that is in line with the directive of diversifying the economy and enhancing the competitiveness of Sharjah and the nation.

Al Owais reaffirmed Sharjah Chamber and Expo Centre Sharjah’s endeavor to develop the MidEast Watch and Jewellery Show in its future editions, in order to attract more international companies and brands. This will contribute to enhancing the exhibition’s stance and strengthen its leadership position and reputation. Al Owais emphasized the Chamber’s continued support of young Emirati entrepreneurs across all economic events in the emirate and in all upcoming editions of the Watch and Jewellery Show. Al Owais added that the chamber will also launch more initiatives that serve creative entrepreneurs and incentivize them to participate in the world of jewelry design and manufacture. He highlighted Expo Centre Sharjah’s efforts and success in organizing a new cycle of the show that is considered a success by all standards.

On his part, HE Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, said: "The MidEast Watch and Jewellery Show has succeeded in winning the confidence of exhibitors and enhancing their business, as well as attaining the satisfaction of visitors by providing the latest lines of fashion and modern collections from various international markets under one roof. Additionally, the show provided visitors with the best offers at the best prices with unique opportunities to win valuable prizes.”

Al Midfa said that Expo Centre Sharjah will launch numerous initiatives in cooperation with Sharjah Chamber which will increase the number of exhibitors and visitors and will in turn enhance the prominence of the exhibition, strengthening its position as the largest regional platform that brings together industry and trade leaders twice a year in the UAE. He added that these initiatives will serve to establish the emirate of Sharjah as a regional and international hub in the field of jewellery manufacturing and trade.

The exhibition witnessed strong competition between the participating national pavilions and a selection of leading watchmakers, jewelleers and world-class brands in the fields of gold, diamonds, precious stones, pearls, watches and others. The names of the winners who participated in the draws organized by the centre throughout the exhibition are scheduled to be announced in the coming days.