Retailers Look To Cash In On Rising Gold Demand

Sharjah show offers a golden chance to drive home a Mercedes Benz

The countdown has started for the region’s most anticipated watch and jewellery fair — the MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show is set to be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from March 26 to 30, 2013.

And, for the first time in its 34 editions, the MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show, which is held under the patronage of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, is offering a lucky shopper the chance to win a Mercedes Benz through its grand raffle draw. This mega prize is set to be the prime catalyst that will bring in crowds to the upcoming show, believe its organizers, as more than 450 master jewellers from across the world have confirmed their presence at the premier biannual event.

“The MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show has given away fabulous prizes to its shoppers during each of its edition, so much so that they have become a key component that attracts visitors in their thousands. However, this is for the first time that a premium Mercedes Benz car is to be presented to a lucky shopper as the grand prize,” said Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General, Expo Centre Sharjah.

And, the organizers have kept the rules pretty simple for every visitor to give it a shot — buy jewellery worth Dhs 500 and you get a chance to take part in the raffle draw that will decide the grand winner. Apart from the grand prize of a dream Merc, which is part sponsored by Gargash Enterprises, visitors also have a chance to win daily prizes.

For the first time, in association with the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA), an entire hall will be dedicated to enchanting Thai jewellery. It will also feature a special Ploi Thai fashion show, where 10 show-stopping models from Thailand will present exquisite gems and jewellery creations from top Thai manufacturers under the national brand ‘Ploi Thai’ in traditional Thai and Arab costumes. Adding to the excitement, Thai cultural performances will also be held.

The show also comes at a time when the World Gold Council said the demand for gold reached an all-time high in value terms at US$236.4 billion in 2012, as the last quarter of 2012 saw strong demand for jewellery since Q1 2011 as India, and to some extent the Middle Eastern markets, drove a recovery in the sector.

Global gold demand in Q4 2012 was 1,195.9t, up 4% on the same quarter in 2011. In value terms, Q4 2012 was the highest fourth quarter total ever, worth a near-record US$66.2 billion. The WGC also noted that seen in a longer term context, annual gold demand was 15 per cent higher than the average for the previous five years.

“Jewellery retailers aiming to carry on the sales momentum gained during the first two months of the new year look at the MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show to drive their sales up. It is the sole platform in the region that guarantees them the best turnout of jewellery lovers as well as trade buyers,” said Mr. Midfa.

Promising an exciting five days of glam and glitter, the 34th edition of the MidEast Watch and Jewellery Show will feature jewellers from all over the world at nearly 20,000 sq m of exhibition space, displaying gold and diamond jewellery, diamonds, precious stones, loose pearls, pearl sets and watches.

A regular special feature at the show, the national pavilions this year will include Hong Kong - China, India, Italy, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore.

The 34th MidEast Watch & Jewellery Show is organised by Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from March 26 to 30, 2013 and will be open from 11am to 10pm daily and on Friday from 4 pm to 10 pm. There will be special timing for ladies from 11am to 4pm on 27th & 30th March, while entry and parking are free.

Emirate:  Sharjah

Date: Mar 18, 2013

Back