Doha jewellery and watches show off to glittering start

HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani inaugurating the 12th Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition  at the Qatar National Convention Centre yesterday. The exhibition will be open to the public for the next five days starting from noon to 10pm. As in previous years, the exhibition features large collections of  jewellery and watches from many global manufacturers. Apart from the pavilions of the local jewelleries and watch sellers, each of which houses stalls of reputable brands from all across the world, the venue plays host to pavilions of some top jewellers from the region. PICTURE: Thajudheen

By Ramesh MathewStaff ReporterThe  annual Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, featuring several prestigious brands from across the world, was off to a grand start at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) yesterday.Held under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa al-Thani, the 12th edition of the event was inaugurated by HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim  bin Mohamed al-Thani in the presence of a large number of dignitaries, businessmen, diplomats and senior government officials.The exhibition will be open to the public for the next five days starting from noon to 10pm. As in previous years, the expo features large collections of  jewellery and watches from many global manufacturers. Apart from the pavilions of the local jewelleries and watch sellers, each of which houses stalls of reputable brands from all across the world, the venue plays host to pavilions of some jewellers from the region.At the stalls, artistry, innovation and craftsmanship of the jewellers as well as of the makers of limited edition watches are evident.Besides a number of residents, a large number of business visitors from other parts of the Gulf are also expected at the exhibition in the next five days.While expressing the hope that the exhibition would attract many customers in the next five days, some of the exhibitors, including those from the region, said there would be the usual demand for jewellery from among local customers who have made it a habit to make substantial purchases during the event.“As the exhibition in Doha brings together a host of jewellery and diamonds from different manufacturers, the customers are given a rare opportunity to make their purchases directly from the people who make the products,” said a senior official of a local jewellery group.Speaking to journalists, the director of exhibitions at the Qatar Tourism Authority, Hamad al-Abdan, said: “The Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition has become one of the most anticipated events of the whole region, featuring an amazing array of upmarket products.”He said: “The Qatar Tourism Authority is fortunate to host the world launch of several exclusive jewels and luxury watches during the exhibition.” Arrangements will be made from today to ferry visitors from the QNCC car park to the venue of the exhibition, using shuttle buses.