Exhibitors upbeat, optimistic and encouraged by their participation in the biggest exhibition to date in the show series.

The 15,000 sq. m. 6^th doha Jewllery & Watches Exhibition – 2009 Edition kicked off at the state-of- the-art Doha Exhibition Centre located in the heart of the diplomatic enclave of the Qatari capital on Tuesday, 17 February 2009. The well-attended, 6 day Show, which witnessed the participation of 26 Qatari companies representing over 500 renowned international and regional brand names from the upscale watch and jewellery industry was officially inaugurated by HE Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jaboor Al Thani, Prime Minsiter & Foreign Minister of the State of Qatar, the Patron of the Exhibition.

Prior to the inauguration, HE The Prime Minister & Foreign Minister and his accompanying delegation, which included the Minister of Business & Trade HE Sheikh Fahd Bin Jassim Bin Mohammed Al Thani, Minister of Culture, Arts & Heritage, HE Hamad Bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari, HE Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim and other dignitaries including senior Qatari officials, prominent local, regional and international businessmen and representatives of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry (QCCI), were welcomed by Mr. Ahmed A. Al Nuaimi, Chairman, Qatar Tourism & Exhibitions Authority (QTEA), sponsors of the Exhibition. After the formal inauguration HE The Prime Minister & Foreign Minister took time to personally visit each pavillon and evinced keen interest in the exhibits and merchandise on display.

Apart from Qatari companies, exhibitors participating in the Exhibition included those from Austria, Bahrain, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Monaco, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Switzerland, the UAE, the UK and the USA. There was a 20% increase in the number of participants this time compared to 2008. Among the first time exhibitors were the House of Mouawad, which brought its 110 years of illustrious experience & expertise to the exhibition and showcased some of the most modern, contemporary, prestigious jewel collections in its repertoire.

“We are proud and pleased to welcome our regular and new exhibitors to the 6^th Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition, which has continued to grow from strength to strength. The mood at the exhibition is one of excitement and enthusiasm and by organizing such mega events as the current exhibition, the Qatar Tourism & Exhibitions Authority (QTEA) not only contributes to the economic diversification of Qatar but also creates opportunities for promising new luxury, niche markets”, asserted Ahmed A. Al Nuaimi, Chairman, QTEA, speaking to AWJ Magazine and the assembled press on the occasion.

The Emir of the Sate of Qatar, HH Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani and First Lady HH Sheikha Mozah Bint Nasser Al Misnad, also took time off to visit the Exhibition on two occasions during its duration.

Arabian Watches & Jewellery (AWJ) Magazine spoke exclusively on live recorded television (to be broadcast subsequently on www. Awjonlinetv.com) to a cross section of senior officials and managers from various exhibitor brands and there was near unanimity on the success and benefits as an outcome of their participation in the exhibition.

Avi Paz, President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses has called upon international trade fair organizers to better support the marketing efforts of firms who exhibit loose diamond at their shows.

“Exhibiting at trade fairs demands significant financial investments. To continue doing so, our members will need to appreciate that these investments are justified. Therefore, we invite the trade fairs to enter into a meaningful dialogue with the diamond trade to maximize the benefits of participating in their shows,” the WFDB said in a statement.

To celebrate Bvlgari’s 125^th anniversary, the brand has chosen to support ‘Save the Children’ Charity by creating a special ring as part of a global campaign to help improve education for millions of children living in conflict-affected areas. The ring is crafted in sterling silver and features the Bvlgari name scrolled on the outside and ‘Save the Children’ logo engraved on the inside. A portion of the retail sales proceeds will be directed to this charity and Bvlgari will also make its contribution to this not-for-profit organization.

Hollywood actress Sharon Stone wore Damiani jewellery at the recent BAFTA Awards in London. She wore the Eden necklace and bracelet to the nominees’ party hosted by Asprey. Sharon Stone is the face of Damiani and has starred in their recent international advertising campaign.

Swarovski, an established name in jewellery and fashion accessories, has ventured into the world of watches. Swarovski recently introduced the Octea Sport, a model inspired by diving watches. With its pure, balanced line, Swiss-made quartz movement, angles of its stainless steel case faceted like Swarovski crystals and a unidirectional rotating bezel—a technical accomplishment, the Octea Sport is cleverly designed.

“The time has come for Swarovski to present its own collection of watches—the culmination of over three years of research,” commented Robert Buchbauer, Member of the Executive Board and a member of the Swarovski family as he unfurled the new watch, the brand’s first.

Swiss watchmaker Azimuth has introduced the ‘Twin Barrel Tourbillon’, which represents a new era of ‘micro-machine making’. Fashioned from a solid block of titanium, this ultra lightweight watchcase similar to the racing bodies of super cars is adorned with plates of carbon fibre.

With a massive 50 mm case, hand wind tourbillon, power reserve of 5 days, this limited edition (25 pieces) timepiece is expected to be delivered only from June 2009 onwards.

The 8 Jours Grand Taille collection by Eberhard & Co, the 1887-established Swiss watch manufacturer, has been complemented by a new version in rose gold. This timepiece was the first wristwatch with an indicator for an 8-day power reserve. It has a generously dimensioned 42 mm case. The watch is resistant to 30 metres and is available with a white dial and Arabic or Roman numerals & has a crocodile strap with an 18-carat gold clasp.

German watch manufacturer Thomas Prescher will present Perpetual Calendar QP 1, the brand’ latest creation at Baselworld 2009. This model features central perpetual calendar and indicators displaying time, month, date & day. The mechanism is completely in-house developed.

UK-based Linde Werdelin luxury sports watches and instruments, founded in 2006 by Morten Linde & Jorn Werdelin combines the very best of Swiss watchmaking & craftsmanship with innovative Danish design & avant-garde technology. The brand will be exhibiting their collections for the first time at Baselworld 2009. Among the models that will be previewed are the new version of the Land Instrument—The Rock.

The new watch range will also include a new movement in collaboration with watchmaker Svend Andersen introduced for the new Spidolite skeleton dial model.

The organizers of the 5^th Dubai Fashion Week (DFW), have announced details of the Autumn / Winter 2009 season to be showcased from 5 to 9 April this year. It will be held at the Godolphin Ballroom at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Dubai and will witness the participation of over 30 international Arab designers including scintillating entries from Walid Atallah, Reem Al Beljafla, Amal Murad, Hatem Alakeel and Mariam Al Mazro to name a few.