56th Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show concludes with 91,000 visitors, 500 global exhibitors

Expo Centre Sharjah concluded the 56th edition of the Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show yesterday, Sunday, drawing over 91,000 visitors and recording a 5 percent increase compared to the previous edition.

Organised by Expo Sharjah with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), the 5-day exhibition hosted more than 500 exhibitors, along with 1,800 high-profile designers, manufacturers, and professionals from major global jewellery houses and brands, further cementing its position as one of the most important gold and jewellery trade events in the UAE and the region. 

The exhibition announced on Monday the winners of this edition’s grand prize draws, which offered an Audi A3 car and luxury gold and diamond sets.

Among the highlights of this year’s edition was Al Romaizan Gold and Jewellery’s “Dubai Dress”, officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s heaviest gold dress. The pure 21-carat gold masterpiece weighs 10.0812 kilograms and is valued at AED 4.6 million.

The exhibition also featured an exclusive showcase of rare jewellery designs, headlined by the world’s largest raw turquoise stone, weighing approximately 20 kilograms and valued at AED 800,000.

Another centrepiece is the “Miryah Wahaj Al Arabia”, the world’s largest gold mirror, which weighs over three kilograms and is crafted by talented people of determination, combining cultural value with social impact. Visitors were also introduced to a wide collection of high-end jewellery, including necklaces, bracelets, rings, and luxury watches set with diamonds and gemstones, all offered at competitive market prices.

This year’s edition demonstrated a significant international footprint, with global participants accounting for more than 68 percent of total exhibitors and with master jewellers and designers from countries such as Australia, Myanmar and Pakistan joining for the first time.

It featured a distinguished lineup of leading global jewellery brands and designers from Italy, India, Türkiye, the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, Japan, China, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia. The exhibition also saw strong participation and distinguished presence of Emirati exhibitors and regional players showcasing their latest innovations.

In his remarks, H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, expressed his satisfaction with the great success achieved by the 56th edition of the Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show.

He said that the record figures in visitor turnout and international participation reaffirm the exhibition’s position as a premier regional platform in the global jewellery and watchmaking industry.

He noted that this edition’s wide variety of displays, ranging from rare pieces to traditional and international designs, underscores the exhibition’s continuous progress and capacity to attract top global jewellery brands.

“The exhibition offers an ideal platform for jewellery companies and designers to establish partnerships and expand their businesses, and the Emirati designers’ contribution plays a significant role in enhancing the exhibition’s success through their creations that feature a unique blend of authenticity with innovation”, he added.

The Emirati Goldsmiths Platform delivered a strong showing at the 56th Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show. This year, the platform recorded a rise in the number of Emirati designers joining its ranks, with 530 members registered, marking an increase of nearly 35% compared to last year. This growth reflects the platform’s growing appeal and its expanding role in supporting and empowering young Emirati talent.

Positioned as a strategic vehicle for promoting Emirati creativity in the jewellery sector, the Emirati Goldsmiths Platform offers Emirati designers valuable opportunities to showcase their creations and gain exposure at leading local and international exhibitions.

Emirati designers presented a rich portfolio of jewellery collections that gained notable visitor attention at the exhibition for their innovation, originality, and cultural resonance. The displays ranged from luxurious diamond-studded gold pieces and Emirati heritage-inspired designs to modern collections appealing to varied customer segments, offering a distinctive blend of authenticity and elegance.

Special attention was given to wedding-season offerings, including bridal sets and rings, in addition to unique designs that drew inspiration from local cultural symbols such as the “hayoul” and the “mandous”. This gave the exhibition an artistic dimension that bridges tradition with contemporary trends.

This edition also recorded significant Gulf participation, with leading jewellery houses from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Oman joining prominent UAE exhibitors. Among the standout highlights was Bahrain’s exclusive pearls jewellery collection blending heritage with modern design, in addition to gold and diamond collections drawing inspiration from traditional motifs.

Backed by Al Romaizan Gold and Jewellery as its diamond sponsor and Salem Al Shueibi Jewellery as platinum sponsor, this year’s edition received wide praise from exhibitors, who affirmed the exhibition’s pivotal role as a leading regional platform for showcasing the latest innovations in gold and jewellery.