Decisions taken to build synergies that will promote International Jewellery Dubai worldwide

Dubai, September 19, 2004: 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 Marri. "With Dubai playing an increasingly important part in the worldwide gold and jewellery trade, thanks to its strategic position and strong trade ties with the region, an exhibition like International Jewellery Dubai has tremendous scope for growth."

"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," Mr. Al Marri added.

Tawhid Abdullah, Chairman of the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group says: "The objective of the talks is to create synergies that will build on commonalities within the Dubai industry and pro-actively 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. We are in the process of building strategies to draw the ideal crowd - internationally, regionally as well as locally, to position IJD as one of the most important worldwide jewellery shows. This will be achieved by doing extensive marketing through road shows in key markets and inviting trade delegations from these markets."

"The initiative is to combine and project a common goal by publicizing the IJD on a global platform so as to attract interest from the jewellery traders worldwide who want to showcase their products to the audiences in the Middle East and the sub-continent region. DWTC and DGJG have not worked together before and these talks represent a new era and beginning of collective efforts to build on each others strengths towards a unified goal using DGJG's expertise in the field of gold and jewellery and our reach, targeting various popular brands", continued Mr. Abdullah.

With a growing manufacturing base, 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 manufacturing base is supported by DMCC and now, with the Kimberley Certification Process for rough diamonds, Dubai's ability to authenticate and be a recognised authority for processing gemstones enhances its international role.

Retail sales are only one aspect of Dubai's growth in the precious metals and jewellery segment. Dubai currently imports approximately 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% of the gold trade in Dubai and is worth over AED 3 billion. Therefore, while tourism over the next decade retail will create awareness of Dubai as a gold and jewellery destination and, subsequently, demand from abroad for Dubai gold, this will only represent a fraction of the business that will influence Dubai's growth and international status.

IJD, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, has proved to be a success story over the years and expectations this year are for an even bigger and more comprehensive exhibition. More than 400 exhibitors have already signed up as compared to last year's 226 while the show will also feature an Italian Pavilion for the first time.

IJD reflects the latest trends in the industry and exhibits at the show in the past have included cut and uncut gemstones, gold, platinum and silver jewellery, gem-set, precious and semi-precious jewellery, precious stones, semi-precious stones, bullion, antique jewellery, branded costume jewellery, branded watches and clocks, silverware, part-finished jewellery, packaging and display materials and manufacturing tools and machinery.

"With the vision of the rulers of Dubai, the will of the organisations that drive the gold and jewellery industry international recognition is increasing and DWTC and DGJG are working hard to develop jewellery exhibitions held in Dubai. Next year's IJD - 2005 and beyond will experience a significant change in terms of the scale and recognition of the show and also the mix of international participants, concluded Mr. Abdullah.

-Ends-

Note to the Editors: Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group:-
An association of more than 550 members, the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group is responsible for promoting, monitoring and improving the gold and jewellery trade in Dubai to position the emirate as the international hub for gold and jewellery.

Dubai World Trade Centre:-
Established in 1979, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has over the last two and a half decades gained a reputation as the commercial heart of the Middle East. From leasing and property, organising and hosting the region's leading exhibitions, hospitality and the Dubai International Convention Centre - tailor-made for the MICE market, the DWTC is truly the heart of business in the Middle East. Among the exhibitions it organises apart from IJD are GITEX, Computer Shopper and the Middle East International Motor Show.

For Further Information, please contact:
Ashok Thomas;
Dubai World Trade Centre;
Tel: +971 4 3086083
Fax: +971 4 3314853
E-mail: Ashok.Thomas@dwtc.com

Or

Pooja Chaudhary/Andrew Chupeau;
BATES PANGULF PR;
Tel: 04-2953456
Fax : 04-2951027;
E-mail : pooja@batespangulf.com

© Press Release 2004