Watch: World’s largest gold frame unveiled at Sharjah watch and jewellery show
Massive gold frame features Sheikh Zayed and landmarks from all seven emirates
SHARJAH: Two UAE-based jewellers have earned a Guinness World Record for creating the largest gold frame in the world, featuring an intricately detailed portrait of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan surrounded by famous landmarks from all seven emirates.
Unveiled at the 55th edition of the Middle East Watch and Jewellery Show at Expo Centre Sharjah, the awe-inspiring tribute was designed as a labour of love and national pride, not for commercial sale.
The project is the result of a collaboration between Golden Arabia Jewellery and Sharjah’s family-run Yogesh Jewellery Factory, in operation since 1973. The 21-karat gold frame, entirely handmade with only minor 3D printed components for precision, was completed over a three-month period involving 30 artisans who clocked over 19,500 man-hours.
Golden vision
The frame showcases seven intricately carved UAE landmarks, including Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Burj Khalifa, and Sharjah’s Quran Roundabout. Crafted with both matte and polished finishes, the piece highlights the contrast and depth of each monument. The central image of Sheikh Zayed is printed in high resolution, “set like a jewel within the frame,” said Nirmal Yogesh Kumar, a third-generation jeweller at Yogesh Jewellery Factory.
“This idea started out as a regular project,” Nirmal told Khaleej Times. “But when we saw the final design and effort going into it, we realised this wasn’t something ordinary, it had the potential to break records.”
Ali Hasan Saleh Al Yafeai, owner of Golden Arabia Jewellery, revealed that the inspiration came after the Sharjah royal family admired a gold necklace crafted in the shape of Dubai’s Museum of the Future. “They encouraged us to create something even more extraordinary,” he said, adding, “This frame is a tribute and it’s not for sale. It doesn’t have a price tag—it’s priceless.”
Ali emphasised that the piece symbolises unity and pays homage to the enduring legacy of Sheikh Zayed. “It’s very heavy to lift,” he said, “but my love for the Father of the Nation is heavier.”
Necklace record
The record-setting didn’t stop there. Another highlight of the show’s opening day was the unveiling of the world’s longest diamond necklace by UAE-based Amaar Jewels. Spanning an astonishing 108 metres, the necklace is made of 18K rose gold and adorned with over 600 lab-grown diamonds.
Guinness World Records officials on-site verified its status as the longest diamond necklace ever made. The unique piece captured the attention of collectors and industry leaders, adding further international acclaim to the show’s impressive line-up.
The necklace is just one example of the innovative craftsmanship on display, where exhibitors are blending heritage with advanced design technologies to redefine luxury jewellery in 2025.
Sharjah watch and jewellery show
The 55th Middle East Watch and Jewellery Show, running until 1 June at Expo Centre Sharjah, is the region’s largest bi-annual luxury trade event. Organised by Expo Centre Sharjah with support from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), this year’s edition features over 500 exhibitors and 1,800 designers from across the globe.
Covering 30,000 square metres, the show is expected to attract more than 80,000 visitors, including collectors, gold investors, and high-end buyers. For the first time, countries such as Russia, Mexico, Tanzania, and Egypt have joined the prestigious event, expanding its international reach. Participants also include renowned jewellers from the UAE, India, Italy, UK, US, Singapore, China, Japan, Türkiye, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon.
Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, noted that the UAE’s gold trade surged to Dh701 billion in 2024, a 43% increase from the previous year. He stressed that the show plays a pivotal role in facilitating trade partnerships and global collaborations.
Expo Centre Sharjah CEO Saif Mohammed Al Midfa highlighted the event’s significance as a global platform for innovation and strategic networking. He said the show enables jewellers to display their latest creations while fostering new business opportunities.
Attendees have the opportunity to purchase directly from a wide selection of offerings that include 21-karat gold sets, diamond-encrusted jewellery, platinum pieces, coloured gemstones, high-end watches, and pearls. A number of exclusive collections and limited-edition items are being launched, alongside luxury packaging options that enhance presentation.
Interactive segments such as industry workshops, giveaways, and the prestigious International Jewellery Design Competition – offering gold and bespoke items as prizes – are attracting both professionals and jewellery enthusiasts.
The show remains open daily from 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with Friday hours set from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM, providing direct access to some of the most celebrated names in watchmaking, gemstone crafting, and metalwork.