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Models displaying some of the jewellery

$790m gems on show in Bahrain at Jewellery Arabia

MANAMA, November 19, 2014

Almost BD300 million ($790.8 million) worth of brooches, rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets and more are on show at this year's Jewellery Arabia.

Approximately BD39 million of those goods are locally made, according to Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro's estimates, while the rest - around BD260 million worth - has been imported, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

“It's the largest exhibition in the history of Bahrain,” he said on the sidelines of the opening yesterday, as Deputy Premier Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa cut the red ribbon at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC) in Sanabis.

“There are 600 exhibitors across more than 18,000 square metres - which is larger than the exhibition centre itself.

“The numbers are all encouraging, and this bolsters faith in Bahrain's economy.”

Such exhibitions help Bahrain's economy because 'thousands come to visit the exhibition and a lot of goods are sold,' said Fakhro, who estimated that more than 50,000 people will visit this year with sales expected to top BD11 million.

“Every year, the exhibition keeps getting bigger and better, and has become a landmark in Bahrain,” said Capital Governor Shaikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa.

“There are more adverts and exposure than ever before.

“It also brings in people from outside Bahrain and around the Gulf, as well as exhibitors from further afield.

“In terms of size and organisation of jewellery, I think this exhibition is one-of-a-kind and that's what encourages people to want to take part.

“No doubt, the multiplier effect of the exhibition is big, with hotel stays, purchases and people eating out at restaurants - it all affects the economy and promotes the country.

“We always say the people of Bahrain are the true treasure of Bahrain, and that's what is shown again and again.”

Meanwhile, Indian Ambassador Dr Mohan Kumar told the GDN that he was pleased with his country's participation.

The Indian Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) have a large pavilion at the event featuring 64 firms.

“The Indian pavilion is larger than ever this year,” he said.

“Lots of people I know look forward to participating.

“It's not just a vote of confidence in Bahrain, but also puts Bahrain on the world map.”

Al Hawaj general manager Abdulwahab Al Hawaj said he was proud that his company had taken part in the expo every year since its founding 23 years ago.

“We are so proud that we've taken part since the beginning,” he said.

“As the exhibition has grown, we have grown too as exhibitors.

“I remember the first year we started, it was very small and now we have a big pavilion and look forward to having it be bigger and bigger.

“In Europe, they talk about this exhibition and want to take part, which is a very good sign.

“The main changes we've seen is that each exhibitor is famous for a specific thing.

“For Hawaj, we have an exhibit of global brands and we're known very well for amber misbah (Islamic rosaries) - we have the biggest collection in the Gulf.

“Many people come from Kuwait and Saudi to see this collection.

“We also always launch a new perfume at the exhibition, and we have French perfumer and artist Martine Micallef coming from France this time to show her perfume bottles, which she paints on.

Shura Council member Nancy Khadhouri was among the visitors at the opening and said it marked a 'wonderful time of year' for Bahrain.

“There are so many jewellery designers on display and it attracts many crowds,” she said.

“It's a great time of year for ladies especially - we pity all the men out there because they've got to watch the credit limit on their cards.

“We've never been disappointed in what we see and I look forward to browsing round and seeing what there is.”

Meanwhile, Customs president Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa announced last night that there has been an increase in exhibits for this year's expo.

More than 205 packages entered Bahrain through air cargo weighing 4,210.980kg, compared with 219 packages weighing 3,974.630kg in 2013.

More than 610 packages entered through the traveller search section, compared with 496 last year, indicating an increase in the number of exhibitors, which will contribute to growth of commercial activities in Bahrain.

Jewellery Arabia will continue at the BIECC until Saturday and is open to the public every day from 4pm until 10pm, except the final day when it opens at noon. - TradeArabia News Service




Tags: GEMS | Jewellery | display | Arabia |

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