Sharjah watch and jewellery show concludes with over 96,000 visitors, 400 exhibitors
Guinness-recognised gold dress stole the spotlight
SHARJAH – The 57th edition of the Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show has concluded at Expo Centre Sharjah, attracting more than 96,000 visitors during its five-day run and reinforcing its position as one of the UAE’s leading platforms for the gold, jewellery and luxury watch sectors.
The event recorded a 6% increase in attendance compared with the previous edition, which welcomed 91,000 visitors.
Organised by Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), the exhibition brought together 400 exhibitors from 19 countries, featuring global designers, manufacturers and brands specialising in gold, diamonds, gemstones, high-end jewellery and luxury timepieces. Covering 30,000 square metres, the event displayed the latest collections, manufacturing innovations and emerging trends shaping the international jewellery market.
Luxury showcase
The exhibition featured an extensive selection of premium jewellery, including high-value gold, platinum and silver pieces, diamond collections, pearls and coloured gemstones. Visitors also explored specialised displays highlighting laboratory-grown diamonds, precious metals, jewellery production methods and advanced packaging technologies.
One of the most notable attractions was a gold dress valued at Dh5 million, recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s most expensive gold dress. Presented by Al Romaizan Gold & Jewellery, the piece was displayed publicly for the first time at the exhibition.
Crafted using more than 10 kilograms of 21-carat pure gold, the creation became a major draw for visitors, alongside newly launched collections and exclusive pieces presented by local and international jewellery houses.
Participating retailers also introduced a range of promotional offers during the exhibition, including VAT cost absorption on selected jewellery products, discounts between 60% and 75% on diamond jewellery, and reduced manufacturing charges on gold ornaments.
Global presence
The event highlighted strong international participation, with exhibitors arriving from countries including China, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Turkiye, the United Kingdom and the United States. Eight Arab countries also participated, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Lebanon and Yemen.
Five major international pavilions from Italy, India, Hong Kong, Singapore and Thailand presented collections reflecting diverse jewellery traditions and design approaches. The displays featured a combination of European craftsmanship and Asian luxury, with exhibitors showcasing innovative designs and exclusive pieces introduced to regional buyers.
Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, said the exhibition represented a strategic vision to develop the event beyond a seasonal commercial platform into a wider economic hub supporting the jewellery sector.
He highlighted the show’s role in strengthening industry connections, supporting market development and enhancing Sharjah’s position within the regional gold and jewellery trade landscape.
The Italian pavilion recorded the largest presence at this year’s edition, led by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and featuring 34 companies. The participation showcased Italy’s expertise in luxury jewellery production, gold craftsmanship and handcrafted silverware, reflecting expanding commercial ties between Italy and the UAE.
Italian exhibitors presented handcrafted collections from Florence, featuring 18-carat gold, natural diamonds, gemstones, pearls and coral. The designs combined traditional craftsmanship with contemporary styles aimed at international luxury markets.
New creations
The Indian pavilion emerged as another major attraction, highlighting the country’s long-standing jewellery heritage and growing participation in regional markets. Exhibitors presented intricate designs featuring natural diamonds, emeralds, rubies and other precious stones, alongside 18-carat gold jewellery decorated with coloured diamonds.
The Hong Kong pavilion showcased a blend of established expertise and modern design concepts, featuring collections incorporating coral, turquoise, 18-carat gold and natural diamonds. Exhibitors focused on designs reflecting changing consumer preferences and evolving luxury trends.
The Emirati Goldsmiths Platform also announced the launch of the first locally sourced Emirati gemstone during the exhibition. Named “Spirit of the Emirates”, the gemstone is made from natural red jasper sourced from the Al Siji region of Fujairah through a partnership with the Fujairah Natural Resources Corporation.
The platform recorded its largest participation to date, bringing together 20 Emirati designers, including seven women making their exhibition debut. The showcase also featured “Al Shoufa”, a jewellery design created by people of determination, which attracted attention from visitors throughout the event.