Organisers of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition announced that the 16th edition of the much awaited luxury event will open at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre this February under a new brand identity, Qatar Show.
The six-day business-to-consumer (B2C) event will be held from 20 to 25 February, presented by Qatar National Tourism Council (QNTC) and delivered by Auditoire, and will feature more than 500 brands from over 10 countries. The 2019 event is set to showcase a range of classic and contemporary luxury collections from global brands and designers and is one of the largest and fastest-growing luxury exhibitions in the region. The event has seen a 17% increase in brands represented between 2017 and 2018, with 93% of the brand international, and over a third originating from Switzerland and Italy. The number of visitors increased from 19,300 in 2017 to more than 23,000 in 2018.
New Brand Identity: Qatar Show
Representing the beginning of a new chapter with the 2019 edition, organisers announced the launch of a new brand identity for the exhibition, including a new brand name: Qatar Show.
The event’s rebranding reflects the show’s evolution over the past 15 editions to emerge as an international show offering visitors a global luxury experience. The reveal marks the beginning of a new chapter in which ‘Qatar Show’ takes on a more leading role in the global jewellery market.
New Logo. The use of pearl in the new logo is a fitting visual representation of how luxury is evolving from a status symbol to a symbol of culture and self-expression. The new brand essence – Luxury Up Close and Personal – conveys a commitment to curating and delivering a seamless visitor experience. Qatar Show will continue to solidify its position as a bespoke jewellery show attracting luxury seekers from across the world.
Ahmed Al Obaidli of QNTC noted that the 16th year of the now Qatar Show – with participants coming from across the globe – from Geneva to Mumbai, to Paris and Beirut – shows the confidence that international and local brands have in the Qatari market.
It provides a remarkable networking platform for companies and visitors in Qatar, and displays the country’s renowned hospitality and world-class exhibition and conference infrastructure capabilities.’
In keeping with its role as a leading player in the global jewellery market, Qatar Show is also welcoming international newcomers to the 2019 edition – Tiffany & Co and L’Atelier du Bracelet Parisien. They will join other major market players like Bulgari to showcase their ensemble of fine Italian jewellery and watches.
Qatar Show will once again run the Forum as a major side event that brings together experts in the watch and jewellery industry, international and Qatar-based influencers, and members of the international media, for a series of interactive talks on the jewellery market and industry trends.
Young Qatari Designers Initiative
The 2019 Qatar Show exhibition is also returning its Young Qatari Designers (YQD) initiative to showcase the creations of 12 local designers. This year’s featured designers are: Nada Al Sulaiti (Hairaat Fine Jewellery); Nouf Al Meer (Nouf Jewellery); Sarah Al Hammadi (Sarah’s & Co); Ghada Al Boainain (Ghada Al Boainain); Noor Al Fardan (Noudar); Fajr Al Attita (Trifaglio); Jawaher & Hissa Al Manaai (Ghand Jewellery); Sheikha Al Ghanim (Al Ghla Jewellery); and Leila Abu Issal (Leila Issam Fine Jewellery). Designers taking part for the first time are Sameera Al Mulla (Hessa Jewellery), Noora Al Meadadi (Al Thameen Jewellery), and Abdullah Yussif Fakhro (Midad Jewellery).
Indian Pavilion
Qatar Show will have a special Indian Pavilion to highlight the Qatar-India Year of Culture 2019. Indian designers will showcase their latest and finest jewellery, curated for the local community featuring exquisitely intricate pieces reflecting the strong heritage and exceptional craftsmanship for which the Indian jewellers are known.
Extraordinary Workshop Experiences
French watchmaking expert Objectif Horlogerie, returns for a third year to engage watch connoisseurs in a hugely popular master watch workshop, ‘Discover Watchmaking‘. Each participant will be awarded an accredited diploma and for interested attendees, Objectif Horlogerie will offer an exclusive paid experience for them to build their own unique custom watches with Objectif Horlogerie elements. Participants will leave with their unique timepieces.
A gemmology workshop will cover basic knowledge of diamonds and coloured gems. Another popular workshop which returns in 2019 is the hands-on jewellery making workshop by master craftsmen.
French expert Geoffroy Ader and the newly organised Qatar Watch Club will present daily informal educational talks at the Majlis for small groups of established and aspiring watch collectors. In addition, iconic French auction house Artcurial will offer watch enthusiasts, visitors, and collectors with free consultations and valuations. An expert gemmologist will also be at hand to offer free consultation for visitors purchasing gemstones from the show.
Returning to exhibit this year are Qatar’s premier jewellery patrons: Al Fardan Jewellery Company, Ali Bin Ali Group, Al Majed Jewellery, Amiri Gems WLL, and Fifty One East.
Qatar Show is organised by QNTC in partnership with events company, Auditoire. The show is supported by Qatar National Bank, Maserati, Qatar Airways, Shangri-La Hotel Doha and Middle East Media (MPP). Aside from the exhibition, Qatar Show 2019 will also offer a host of additional attractions and activities for visitors. Visit qatarshow.qa for updates and more information.