Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition Attracts Biggest Crowds Yet

The Ninth Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition closed its doors on 26th February 2012, on the most successful and spectacular event yet.

Organized by the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), an average of 15,000 local and international visitors attended the event each day this year and is now the fifth biggest jewellery and watch exhibition in the world.

The exhibition saw more than 300 international and local exhibitors showcasing the finest jewellery and watches in the region, with the total amount on display toping $US1 billion.

Highlights of the 2012 events included a diamond encrusted Barcelona Football Club jersey, bearing the Qatar Foundation sponsorship logo, created by Bagues-Masiera and displayed by Al Fardan Jewellery in their pavilion.

Another highlight was a US$6.8 million Snow White Princess Diamond women's watch made by Swiss watchmaker Mouawad. Also on display was a US$5 million diamond studded clock made by Swiss-based Parmigiani and shown in the Al Majed pavilion.

Senior figures in the trade also attended the show, including the heads of Jacob & Co and Chopard. Major collectors were also in attendance, showing the exhibition had become a "must attend" event for the industry

The seven-day exhibition was spread over 15,000 square metres at the Doha Exhibition Centre. Exhibition is billed as the region's leading exhibitions of its kinds and yet again brought to Doha some of the world's finest jewellery and watch collections.

QTA Chairman Mr. Ahmed Al Nuaimi said it was a great honor to bring the finest and most exclusive international jewellers and watchmakers to Qatar for the event as well as highlighting high-end local-based brands.

"Yet again the Doha Watches and Jewellery Exhibition showed that it can compete with the European shows in terms of brands and visitors," Mr. Al Nuaimi said. "We continue to grow the exhibition each year and it is becoming a must-attend on the international jewellery and watch exhibition circuit. QTA and our partners are already planning for the 10th edition of the exhibition in 2013 which will be even more spectacular.

"QTA is committed to promoting the State of Qatar as a first-rate destination for business, industry conferences, cultural events, education, sports and leisure, and provides world-class amenities and services. This is part of our commitment and mission to stage world class events in Qatar," Mr. Al Nuaimi said.

Among the significant Qatari exhibitors were Ali Bin Ali Watches & Jewelry, Fifty One East, Amiri Gems, Alfardan Jewellery, Blue Salon, Al Majed Jewellery, Al Muftah Jewellery, Makki Jewellery, Marzook Al Shamlan, Paris Gallery, and Al-Zain. High profile international brands featured in the show will include Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Audemers Piguet, Richard Mille and Montblanc, Chopard, Chanel, Vacheron Constantin and Piaget, Zenith, Damiani, Maurice Lacroix and Ladoire, Palmiero, Jacob & Co, Concord and Franc Vila, Patek Philippe, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Century, Ebel and Giovanni Ferraris.