Number of Local Jewellery Designers at Qatar Show Doubles

Local jewellery designers taking part in the Young Qatari Designers (YQD) initiative, which marks its third edition at the newly rebranded “Qatar Show” for pearls, watches and jewellery, has doubled in number, organisers have said. This increase in the number of participants shows growth in the local jewellery design sector which the government supports through the unique initiative under the patronage of Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani.

“The number of YQD participants has increased from six to 12 showing that there is a big growth in this sector. Some of these designers started opening their own stores which only shows that such industry is growing in the local market, therefore we thought we should showcase their brands since they need support,” said Ahmed Al Obaidli from Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC).

Al Obaidli was speaking in response to a query at a recent press conference to announce the show which marks its 16th edition running from February 20 to 25 at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center. The creations by the 12 local designers will be showcased at the show which will see more than 500 participating local and international brands from more than 10 countries.

Ahmed Al Obaidli from Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC), added, “I am confident that they would add value and enrich the show by showcasing their products alongside prominent international brands and local brands as well at the event which serves as a fantastic platform for these young designers.”

Fresh new talents are joining this year including first-time participants Sameera Al Mulla of Hessa Jewellery, Noora Al Meadadi of Al Thameen Jewellery, and Abdullah Yussif Fakhro of Midad Jewellery.

The returning designers are Nada Al Sulaiti of Hairaat Fine Jewellery, Nouf Al Meer of Nouf Jewellery, Sarah Al Hammadi of Sarah’s & Co, Ghada Al Buainain of Ghada Al Buainain, Noor Al Fardan of Noudar, Fajr Al Attita of Trifaglio, Jawaher and Hissa Al Manaai of Ghand Jewellery, Sheikha Al Ghanim of Al Ghla Jewellery and Leila Abu Issal of Leila Issam Fine Jewellery.

The new name and logo of one of the longest running exhibitions in the country ushers at the beginning of a new chapter in which it takes on a more leading role in the global jewellery market.

“This is Qatar Show’s 16th consecutive year, and a large number of participants from across the globe – from Geneva to Mumbai, to Paris and Beirut – shows the confidence that international, regional, and local brands have in the Qatari market,” Al Obaidli, adding the exhibition offers a unique collection of experiences.

Among the exciting features of the six-day exhibition is the Indian pavilion, the Forum, master watch workshop by French watch-making expert Objectif Horlogerie, gemmology and jewellery making workshops, daily informal educational talks by French expert Geoffroy Ader and the newly created Qatar Watch Club and free consultations and valuations by iconic French auction house Artcurial.

Story Courtesy & Picture Credits: The Peninsula Qatar