Dubai International Jewellery Week 2008, the region’s premiere watch and jewellery event, has increased exhibition space by 20 per cent to meet higher demand.

The expo this year comprises three separate events. The first show, Areeq Dubai, to be held from November 13 to 15, will showcase the world's most prestigious watch and jewellery brands, in addition to unique pieces and collectors' items.

Both Jewellery Collections Dubai, an extensive display of jewellery and timepieces from all over the world and Jewellery Trade Dubai, the only business-to-business jewellery event in the Middle East, will open from November 11 to 15.

This year's edition features 520 companies (an increase of 30 per cent) from 30 countries.

The organisers have added 20 per cent event space to meet increased demand.

About 85 per cent of the companies exhibiting at the event are international, mirroring the global appeal the show now commands, said a statement.

'The regional market presents great opportunities for jewellery traders as we emphasise the development of long term business relationships,' said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre, the show’s organiser.

Dubai’s gold imports are expected to double in the coming years with retail trade reaching $3 billion.
Recent reports also stated that the price of gold has in fact increased by 14 per cent as the financial crisis deepens.

Trade of rough diamonds increased by 36 per cent to reach $3.3 billion at the end of the first half of this year. Additionally, polished diamond imports to the emirate grew by 99 per cent during the first half this year, to $2.9 billion against $1.4 billion in 2007, according to a statement.

The event will feature international pavilions from 10 key jewellery markets, with Singapore and China being the new entrants this year. The show will also include the VIP Hosted delegation from Saudi Arabia and a series of trade seminars.

A host of world-class brands will be exhibiting for the first time, including Dunamis watches, Meccaniche Veloci, Swiss Pearls and Moussaieff.

The unique Quattro Valvole timepiece, made by the Italian watch makers Meccaniche Veloci using the same principles of a finely tuned racing car, will also be on display accompanied by the ultra-luxury Spada Contradonce sports car.

Besides the new attractions, prominent brands such as Adler, Breitling, Cerruti, Mikimoto, Parmigiani, Romain Jerome and a host of others will be vying for the spotlight at the show.

Notable promotions at this year’s Areeq Dubai include Bin Hendi’s giveaway of De La Cour watch and a 1 carat Dubai Cut Diamond from diamond experts Dhamani.

The show is being supported by the World Gold Council, Dubai Diamond Exchange, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre and Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group.-TradeArabia News Service