There are currently 110 manufacturers of gold and jewellery in the UAE today producing 20-25 tonnes of gold jewellery per annum.
Dubai's emerging potential as a jewellery manufacturing base is supported by DMCC and now, with the Kimberley Certification Process for rough diamonds, the emirate's ability to authenticate and be a recognised authority for processing gemstones enhances its international role.
It is against this backdrop that the International Jewellery Dubai show will be held this December.
Senior officials from Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), organisers of International Jewellery Dubai (IJD), and Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group (DGJG) recently initiated discussions to examine how best to build on the strengths of IJD and to further enhance the status of the show among traders and consumers worldwide.
The discussions are the beginning of a strategic initiative by the parties to position IJD 2004, which will be held at the DWTC Complex from December 6 to 10, as a benchmark exhibition on the international map, on par with the ones in Vicenza (Italy) and Basel (Switzerland).
"IJD has grown tremendously in stature and while it is the most significant show of its kind in the region, we feel that the time is right to examine ways to further enhance its standing on the world stage," said DWTC director general Helal Saeed Khalfan Al Merri.
"Involving DGJG in a joint initiative to promote IJD worldwide will go a long way in helping us realise this potential and to position it as one of the premium events on the international calendar over the coming years."
While jewellery retail sales form one aspect, Dubai also currently imports 212 tonnes of raw and ingot gold from more than 60 countries and exports and re-exports to around 50.
Re-exports of gold represents 79 per cent of the gold trade in Dubai and is worth over Dh3 billion.
Tawhid Abdullah, chairman of the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group, added: "The objective of the talks is to create synergies that will build on commonalities within the Dubai industry and proactively strengthen Dubai's potential in hosting high standard jewellery exhibitions akin to other established global shows.
"DWTC and DGJG have partnered to devise a mode of awareness for the forthcoming show that will seek to represent a diverse mix of the trade and consumer audiences. This will be achieved by doing extensive marketing through roadshows in key markets and inviting trade delegations from these markets."
Gulf News
