55th Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show kicks off with 500 exhibitors, 1,800 global designers

The 55th edition of the Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show, the largest event of its kind on the UAE and the region’s trade show calendar, kicked off today, Wednesday, at Expo Centre Sharjah and will run until June 1, 2025.

Organised by Expo Sharjah with support from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), the bi-annual exhibition features the participation of over 500 exhibitors and 1,800 high-profile designers, manufacturers and industry professionals, representing major global companies and high-end brands in luxury gold jewellery, exquisite timepieces, and precious gemstones.

The 55th edition marks the debut participation of exhibitors from Russia, Mexico, Tanzania, and Egypt, expanding the exhibition’s international footprint. The show also hosts a prominent lineup of elite watch and jewellery makers from the UAE, India, Italy, the United Kingdom, the United States, Singapore, China, Japan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Lebanon.

The showcase features exclusive collections of the 2025’s most exquisite and intricately crafted jewellery pieces that reflect the craftsmanship and innovation driving transformation in gold and precious metal design.

H.E Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, stated that the Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show plays a strategic role in reinforcing the UAE’s status as a global hub for gold, jewellery, and precious metals trade.

He noted that the value of the UAE’s gold trade reached over AED 701 billion in 2024, marking a 43% year-on-year growth, which is a strong indicator of the sector’s commercial and economic significance and the increasing global demand for gold as a secure and valuable investment asset.

He added that the exhibition supports exhibitors in capitalising on this sustained growth by providing a prime venue for deal-making, strategic alliances, and enhanced engagement among major industry players and international stakeholders.

For his part, H.E Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, said that the Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show holds a distinguished position within Expo Centre Sharjah’s events calendar and across the region’s exhibition landscape.

He described it as one of the largest global gatherings in the gold and jewellery industry, offering a platform to showcase the latest products and innovations while fostering global networking among businesses and industry professionals.

On its opening day, the 55th Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show set a new Guinness World Record with the local exhibitor “Amaar Jewels” unveiling the world’s longest diamond necklace. The piece spans 108 meters and incorporates over 600 lab-grown diamonds, meticulously set in 18K rose gold. The Guinness World Records committee assessed the piece and listed it among its official record, associating the exhibition with the globally recognised compendium of world records.

The exhibition presents a distinguished array of new seasonal innovations, catering to those seeking refined elegance and distinctive jewellery designs. It showcases the latest creations by top global designers from renowned gold houses alongside luxury timepieces and precious stones introduced by leading global brands.

The showcased products include an extensive selection of bespoke diamond pieces, 21-karat gold sets, platinum, silver, coloured gemstones, pearls, precious metals, and luxury watch collections by top global names, in addition to introducing professional jewellery packaging solutions.

The exhibition also features a range of engaging activities, including competitions and promotional giveaways aimed at enhancing visitor experience.

Spanning 30,000 square metres, the 55th Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show is anticipated to welcome over 80,000 attendees, comprising gold traders and collectors of high-end gifts, contemporary designs, and rare jewellery and timepieces.

The exhibition offers jewellery designers, manufacturers, and industry professionals an ideal platform for deal-making, strengthening partnerships, and exploring the latest designs across the local and global gold, watch, and jewellery markets.

Moreover, the exhibition enables direct purchasing for gold investors as well as collectors of limited-edition designs from leading international jewellery and watchmakers.

It further presents several engagement opportunities through the International Jewellery Design Competition, offering high-value rewards in gold and curated gold items as part of the visitor prize programmes.  

The 55th Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show opens daily from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and on Fridays from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Visitors can benefit from exclusive offers, engage in industry-focused workshops and activities, and explore cutting-edge global practices in gold and jewellery design.

The exhibition also facilitates networking with renowned global jewellery designers and specialists in precious metalwork and gemstone crafting, offering a unique opportunity to explore an extensive collection of luxury watches, bespoke jewellery pieces, and signature diamond sets presented by top jewellery houses.