The Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) 2017, which concluded last week, attracted over 15,000 visitors, organisers said.

Held under the theme ‘Once upon a time… luxury,’ the six-day show had visitors and exhibitors taking home an exceptional experience. 

Held at the new Doha Exhibition and Conference Centre (DECC) in the heart of West Bay, the spacious venue enabled Qatar’s premier retailers to bring creative flair to their exhibition pavilions – taking exhibition-goers on a remarkable journey of art, elegance and legacy. 

Precious jewels and timepieces from over 400 brands were shown and sold by 40 exhibitors at the show. 

Ahmed Al Obaidli, Director of Exhibitions, Qatar Tourism Authority, commented: “DJWE this year has told its visitors wonderful stories of luxury and history, and we are proud to count DJWE as one of our own success stories; a testament to the potential that the business events sector in Qatar holds. We owe this success entirely to the patronage of His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani.” 

DJWE 2017 was organised by Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), together with this year’s partners Auditoire.

"This is our first edition and we are very happy with the response," said Mazen Abd Rabbo, managing director of Auditoire. "We are very excited to do the show, which is the biggest in Qatar. We have long experience in Qatar and in luxury. We already work with many leading brands around the world,” he said.

"There are more than 400 global brands represented here. We will aim for more next year, both regional and international. The show is not just for the rich. It caters to the aspirational class as well with pieces available in all price ranges,” he added. 

Bader Abdullah Al-Darwish, Chairman and Managing Director of Darwish Holding, commented: “We are honoured to be part of the fourteenth edition of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, an event that has become the highlight of the calendar for the watches and jewellery sector in Qatar and reflects the country’s status as a world-class destination.”  

He continued: “This year, Fifty One East is proud to stand hand in hand with the Young Qatari Designers initiative. It has always been essential to us that we help realise their ambitions. They are the base for the economic and social development of Qatar.”

Sharing her experience of the show, Dana Al Fardan, Vice President of Alfardan Jewellery, said, “Since the first edition of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, Alfardan Jewellery has been keen to support the show and exceed visitor expectations by showcasing the most exclusive and unique high-end brands in the watches and jewellery industry.” 

Discussing their participation this year’s show, Jamil Al Majed, Vice Chairman, Al Majed Jewellery said: “This edition of DJWE has brought us new visitor experiences, raised the profile of Qatar and contributed to the nation’s economic growth. We are honored to be part of this world-class event.” 

Aman Shahani, Director of Communications, Amiri Gems, commented: “It is always a great pleasure to be part of DJWE. This premier event shines a spotlight on the region’s expanding portfolio of brands, which includes innovative new brands and luxury international jewellery houses from across the globe.” 

This year’s edition also featured a new initiative, the Young Qatari Designers, a dedicated exhibition space that shined a spotlight on the country’s emerging talent. 

Brands at DJWE unveiled special events at their booths: Swiss diamond house, Mouawad, revealed a $3.5 million jewellery box encrusted with diamonds, sapphires and lapis lazuli, which was certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s most valuable jewellery box. Meanwhile Robert Wan, House of Pearls offered ‘Pearlsonality tests’ that enabled participants to discover which pearls suited their character. 

Attendees were also able to get the expert services of Artcurial, the famous French Auction house who provided watch valuations, helping visitors to build their own watch collection.

DJWE 2017 presented a number of new visitor experiences. Hosting four to five complimentary watchmaking sessions per day, watch specialists Objectif Horlogerie gave enthusiasts an insight into the precision and complexity of handcrafting each timepiece. Over the course of the exhibition more than 100 visitors were able to take part and leave with an accredited diploma commemorating their participation. 

Visitors also embraced the special portrait sessions provided by Studio Harcourt, the legendary Parisian photography studio. Open to all, this unique studio experience, which offered professional make up, expert direction, and cinematic lighting gave visitors a glimpse of Hollywood glamour. Over 400 attendees of DJWE 2017 were able to enjoy the movie-star treatment that Studio Harcourt proudly offered.