Minister of Economy and Commerce Opens 15th Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Under the Patronage of His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani, Minister of Economy and Commerce, today officially inaugurated the 15^th Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE 2018), at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), in the presence of VIPs, dignitaries, and special guests.

His Excellency toured the exhibition accompanied by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) officials, and the organising committee, as well as key players in the jewellery market.

Organised by QTA and delivered by Auditoire, the six-day exhibition taking place at the epicenter of Doha’s business district offers a wide range of jewellery and timepieces from more than 490 local and international brands. DJWE 2018 is open to visitors every day from 12 noon until 10pm until Monday, 26 February, and on Friday will be open between 4pm and 10pm.

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3137″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]For the fifteenth year running, DJWE features Qatar’s premium jewelers AlFardan Jewellery, Ali Bin Ali, Al Majed Jewellery and Watches, Amiri Gems and Fifty One East, all of whom return this year to present their latest world-class collections.

Ahmed Al Obaidli, Director of Exhibitions at OTA commented: “We are thrilled to open the 15^th edition of DJWE, and proud that DJWE is one of the most anticipated exhibits on Qatar’s calendar of events. This prestigious event has helped position Qatar as a major business destination. In addition to attracting industry experts and professionals from across the world, the exhibition plays a key role in supporting local talent and companies.”

He added, “H.E. the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior’s patronage of the exhibition is a clear expression of the government’s commitment towards developing the country’s tourism sector through supporting and sponsoring exhibitions and events that are the major platforms of business events and contribute to achieving the objectives of the Next Chapter of the national tourism sector strategy.”

Supporting  young Qatari designers

As part of the exhibition’s commitment to nurturing local talent and creativity, this year’s exhibition returns with its Young Qatari Designers (YQDs) initiative. The YQDs initiative will shine a spotlight on three new and three returning talented Qatari designers, by providing them with a unique platform to showcase their new collections alongside renowned international brands. The designers include Nada Al Sulaiti (Hairaat); Nouf Al Meer (Nouf Jewellery); Ghada Al Buainain; Leila Abu Issa (Leila Issam Fine Jewellery); Shikha Mohamed (Al Ghla Jewellery); and Jawaher & Hissa Mohammed Al Mannai (Ghand Jewellery).

The Young Qatari Designers (YQDs) initiative, which is under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, was launched last year as part of QTA’s efforts to support local talent. To elevate the local designers and to add to this year’s programme of activities, DJWE has partnered with AlBahie, Qatar’s first auction house, to host a charity auction which will benefit Education Above All. Scheduled for Sunday 25 February at  DECC, the auction named MILEstones will provide jewellery enthusiasts with the opportunity to bid on unique signature pieces by the Young Qatari Designers that celebrate the 15^th edition of DJWE.

Unique events during the exhibition

The jam-packed programme at DJWE 2018 features both new and returning activities for visitors to enjoy. Visitors can attend the daily DJWE Majlis Talks, informal discussions attended by 12 local community members and hosted by industry professionals and experts. In addition, international watches experts Artcurial, are providing watch collectors with free consultations and valuations daily.

Visitors can take part in one of the complimentary fine jewellery workshops led by master craftsmen, sharing the intricacies involved in the delicate art of making jewellery. The three-hour workshop will teach participants how to bring their paintings to life through watercolors, followed by creating designs using wax, and finally the process of preparing metals and setting precious gems.

Back by popular demand, French watchmaking expert Objectif Horlogerie returns to host up to five complimentary watchmaking sessions every day offering enthusiasts insights into the  precise and complex art of creating handmade timepieces. Attendees will be presented with certificate of participation.

Objectif Horlogerie will also host an exclusive workshop for 15 participants during which they can assemble a Swiss watch especially designed for DJWE. The limited-edition watches will bear the DJWE logo and Qatari flag, encased in 42 mm case with a clear sapphire glass face and see-through back. The watch will come equipped with the finest Swiss automatic mechanism, a strap carrying the colours of the Qatari flag and presented in a special leather box. Those interested to attend can register on the website; participation fees are $2,800 USD.

[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3140″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]To mark its 15^th edition, DJWE will host the first Watches and Jewellery Forum this year, sponsored by Fifty One East. The event will be a new initiative to highlight jewellery designers’ role in refining the jewelry and gem industry, in both local and international markets.

The one-day DJWE Forum will take place on the second day of the exhibition (Thursday, 22 February) and has limited capacity for 100 people only, hosting seminars curated by acclaimed brands and personalities in the industry. The event will allow attendees to share their passions and will encourage knowledge-sharing from emerging and established international and local designers, and enthusiasts alike.

Commenting on the event, Mazen Abd Rabbo Vice President Middle East Auditoire said: “Every year DJWE attracts the most prestigious and leading local and international brands, as well as renowned designers from Qatar and beyond who showcase their creations in the exhibition. In this 15^th edition, we are organising more activities and events to support young Qatari talents who are keen to showcase their work to the local and international audience.”

Courtesy: The Retail Jeweller India News Service[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]