A total of 130 exhibitors from 15 countries will display premium jewellery collections from major international brands at an upcoming jewellery and watch show in Abu Dhabi.

Organised by Reed Exhibition, the 20th edition of the International Jewellery and Watch Show (JWS) will take place from May 1 to 5 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (Adnec), and will feature top brands such as Rolex, Parmigiani, Tudor, Mercury, Giovanni and Bugatti.

According to the most recent statistics issued by the Federal Custom Authority of the United Arab Emirates, gold worth Dh9.7 billion ($2.64 billion) was imported in the first 10 months of 2011 compared to Dh5.7 billion during the same period in 2010, a growth rate of more than 70 per cent.

Jewellery imports showed a 9 per cent increase with imports worth Dh2.4 billion in 2011 compared to Dh2.2 billion in 2010.

Ara Fernezian, group exhibition director at Reed Middle East, said: “This period of every year is ideal for the recovery of jewellery sales, as it comes just before the holiday season for most employees in the United Arab Emirates.”

“We have dedicated our efforts to bring the show date forward in May instead of November to provide the opportunity to the largest number of visitors to see the up-to-the-minute designs in jewellery and watches.”

Raya Dandal, show manager at Reed Exhibitions, said: “We are expecting this year’s edition to witness a significant increase in the number of visitors due to the new assigned date, as well as the great level of participation in the show.”

“Our exhibitors continue to profile their latest and most unique designs, and having 15 countries participating in the show gives us the advantage of being capable to cater to different tastes and needs of all segments of the visitors. JWS represents an ideal platform for the Eastern and Western cultures to meet.”

Apart from exhibitors from the UAE, the event will have participation from Hong Kong, Brazil, India, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, the UK and the US.

There is a strong correlation between the increase in the number of tourists visiting the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the success of its exhibitions, as the exhibitions and conferences have become a source of attraction to tourists, especially in terms of shopping.

The tourism sector in Abu Dhabi has recorded 17 per cent growth in 2011 in comparison with 2010, with more than 2.1 million visitors staying at hotels in the Emirate.

This year, JWS also offers a raffle draw that provides its visitors a variety of valuable gifts upon their buying the entry tickets that are worth Dh20. – TradeArabia News Service