A global delegation of more than 100 VIP buyers will gather at the Hosted Buyers Programme at Dubai International Jewellery Week as growth of consumer demand for gold jewellery hits double digit year-on-year.

Dedicated top-level buyers from Albania, Bahrain, Kuwait, Macedonia, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Ukraine, will look to purchase the latest rough stones, precious gems and metals and finished fine jewellery from more than 360 exhibitors taking part in the consumer and trade event taking place from December 4 to 7 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice president, DWTC, which organises Dubai International Jewellery Week, said: “Lower gold prices and growing consumer confidence has resulted in a significant increase of consumer demand for gold and jewellery, both regionally and globally.”

“Gold and jewellery is a major contributor to the Middle East’s luxury market, and Dubai has always been at the forefront of the sector, attracting luxury consumers from around the world. This is why Dubai International Jewellery Week is such an important business networking platform – it provides an effective gateway into the high value regional market, while bringing together the world’s most prominent jewellery makers and serious international buyers.”

Jamil M Ali Farsi, founder of Farsi Jewellers from Saudi Arabia, one of the hosted buyers at last year’s Dubai International Jewellery Week, added: “The show’s Hosted Buyer Programme is a highly-effective way to meet new and existing vendors, engage suppliers from around the world and source new products – the quality of exhibitors is always outstanding.”

Now in its 18th year, Dubai International Jewellery Week is the Middle East’s largest and most influential jewellery event, with exhibitors from more than 30 countries showcasing billions of dollars worth of precious gems and jewels.

The combined consumer and trade event will attract more than 20,000 visitors, bringing together manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and industry professionals looking to establish global relationships and come face-to-face with major buyers in the lucrative regional market.

The region’s most dazzling social and jewellery shopping event returns with the fifth Jewellery Design Awards, attracting amateur and professional designers from across the world, each competing to be rewarded for excellence in jewellery design, innovation and creativity.

Also returning are daily seminars conducted by GIA Middle East, the world’s foremost authority in gemology. Leaving no stone unturned, visitors will learn all there is to know about diamonds and jewellery, from making the perfect purchase to taking proper care of their favourite jewels.

According to the latest World Gold Council’s Gold Demand Trends report consumer demand for gold jewellery worldwide grew by 20 per cent for the year ending September 2013, reaching 3,757 tonnes and valued at $183.9 billion.

During the same time period, the report said regional consumer demand for gold jewellery has grown by 25 per cent, reaching 225.8 tonnes and valued at $10.9 billion, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia featuring prominently.

In the UAE, gold jewellery demand has grown by 23 per cent, reaching 73.1 tonnes worth $3.5 billion, while neighbouring Saudi saw 71.7 tonnes of consumer gold jewellery demand worth $3.4 billion - up 13 per cent year-on-year. – TradeArabia News Service