The upcoming Doha Watch and Jewellery Show (DWJE) promises to be a dreamy affair with young Qatari designers showcasing their work alongside international brands, all in a fairy-tale atmosphere.

Now in its 14^th edition, the luxury exhibition will run from February 20 to 25 at the new Doha Exhibition and Conference Centre (DECC).

Held under the patronage of the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, the show is organised by Auditoire on behalf of the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA).

Displaying well over 500 brands through 40 exhibitors from ten countries, the DWJE is designed to be a glamorous tale in which exclusivity, beauty, art, legacy and craftsmanship combine to tell the unforgettable story behind each jewel. 

The new Young Qatari Designers initiative will highlight local talents including Noor Al Fardan, the owner of Noudar; Nada Al Sulaiti of Hairaat; Sarah Al Hammadi of Sarah’s & Co; and Fajr Al Attiya of Trifoglio. 

These designers will exhibit their works and introduce their brands to local and international media in a delicately ornamented 206-m space inside the main exhibition hall. 

QTA Director of Exhibitions Ahmed Al Obaidli comments: “We are particularly pleased with the plans for this edition of Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, which give outstanding local talent the chance to shine alongside global luxury brands.

“Qatar’s business events sector is set for success thanks to growing event management services, and increasing exhibition space spread out through world-class venues. QTA is proud of DJWE, which is considered the longest-running and most anticipated exhibition in Qatar’s annual calendar of events, and continues to reinforce the country’s position as a premium business events destination.” 

The Young Qatari Designers will be sponsored by Fifty One East, a leading Qatari luxury retailer owned by Darwish Holding, for the coming three editions. 

Darwish Holding Chairman and Managing Director Bader Al Darwish comments: “We are delighted to help bring Qatar’s most exciting and gifted young designers to an international stage. By exhibiting at DJWE, these designers will ensure that Qatari culture and craftsmanship are passed down another generation, and I expect their displays to be a vast attraction for visitors of all backgrounds.” 

The exhibition also promised a series of glamorous experiences akin to fairy tales, including the opportunity to have glamourous photos taken by the internationally renowned Harcourt Studio; workshops offering a deeper knowledge of craftsmanship essentials in jewellery, and of the art of making clocks and watches with Objectif Horlogerie. 

The exhibition will also feature an indoor/outdoor garden café in which visitors can relax between viewings, and a special exhibition of unique vintage pieces worth visiting in its own right.

The experiences are finely crafted to appeal to DJWE’s visitor profile, which as well as high net worth individuals and luxury connoisseurs, includes young professionals, businessmen, brides-to-be, fashionistas and trendsetters, including social media influencers from Qatar, the GCC and beyond. 

Mazen Abd Rabbo, General Manager of Auditoire Qatar, says that the 2017 exhibition is set to build on its international profile. 

“We are proud to organise this major luxury exhibition, which is one of the largest business-to-customer jewellery and watches exhibition on the global calendar and is becoming an essential player on the watch and jewellery international scene,” he says. 

Qatar National Bank has renewed its commitment to DJWE by joining again as a sponsor. Salem Anzan Al Naimi, AGM Public Relations, remarks: “It is, as always, a proud occasion for QNB to reaffirm our support for DJWE as official sponsors in 2017. This sparkling event each year epitomises with the tangible beauty of the creations on display a fundamental relationship between high quality and high worth that reflects our own banking values.” 

International visitors will be able to benefit from a special DJWE discount on flights from Qatar Airways, the show’s airline sponsor. For those looking to explore Qatar’s cultural and natural treasures and experience its unique old world hospitality, packages will be available through Qatar Airways Holidays, allowing visitors to take full advantage of the balmy weather conditions for exploration of the country. 

Ehab Amin, Qatar Airways Senior Vice President Commercial - Middle East, Africa & Pakistan, remarked: “Qatar Airways is proud to be the official airline and travel partner to Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, and offers exclusively designed holiday packages including specially discounted flights from the GCC, to encourage more luxury savvy travelers to Qatar and enjoy the exhibition offerings.”

The DJWE will permits on-site purchases of the creations on offer including personalised timepieces, traditional local jewellery and historic creations, as well as the very latest in high design. 

With the most senior talent of a brand often present in person, it can even be possible to arrange for an entirely exclusive and personalised wish to be granted, the organisers say.

The DJWE is the longest-running and one of the most anticipated exhibition in Qatar’s annual calendar of events and reinforces the country’s position as a premium business events destination. A large-scale regional campaign is under way with the aim of attracting visitors to the event from around the Gulf.