06, October 2021:  Under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, opened, Tuesday, the 48th edition of the Watch & Jewellery Middle East Show (WJMES), MENA’s largest specialized jewellery and watch trade fair.

Organized by Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), the five-day event sees the participation of nearly 350 exhibitors of world-leading companies of the watch and jewellery design and manufacturing, alongside the participation of local jewellers and Emirati designers.

Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi toured the show, which is being held with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), and met with a number of foreign and Emirati exhibitors and officials. 

He was briefed on the latest products, technologies and innovative solutions in the gold industry, and learnt about the reality of the gold and jewelry trade and was also introduced to the newest collections and innovations in the field of watches and jewelry and the latest fashion designs.
During the tour, Sheikh Khalid was accompanied by Sheikh Majid bin Faisal Al Qasimi, First Deputy Chairman of SCCI, HE  Walid Abdul Rahman Bukhatir, Second Deputy Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber,, HE  Shirley Aguilar, Guatemala's  Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, and HE Saif Mohammad Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, as well as a number of board members of the Chamber and Expo.

'The WJMES's outstanding global reputation clearly reflects the leading status of the Emirate of Sharjah in the field of international exhibitions and its success in organizing and hosting many regional and international exhibitions and forums covering industrial, commercial and cultural sectors,' said Sheikh Khalid Al Qasimi.

He attributed the Emirate's successes in this regard to the economic diversification policy by enhancing the competitiveness of the exhibition industry and directing it towards supporting various economic sectors, lauding the Expo Centre's efforts in organizing this event and its keenness to provide the best services to the exhibitors.

The opening ceremony was also attended by a number of board members of the SCCI, government officials, official figures, a crowd of merchants, and representatives of the gold and jewelry sector.
Abdullah Sultan Al Owais expressed his utmost thanks to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his patronage of the Watch & Jewelry Middle East Show.

He added that the event enjoys a prominent position among a wide segment of businessmen, investors, and workers in the gold industry and is considered one of the largest international economic events hosted by the Emirate of Sharjah.

Al Owais noted that the number of companies specializing in the manufacture and trade of gold and registered with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry amounted to 425 companies, which reflects the great position of Sharjah as a regional hub for jewelry and watch trade.

'WJMES has become a leading regional and international platform. This is enshrined in the keenness of the most important and long-established brands to participate in the event, which brings them closer to a large segment of consumers and consolidates their presence in regional markets,' said Saif Al Midfa.
'I expect that the event will witness a high turnout of visitors eager to learn about the latest collections of premium jewelry, unique watches, and gemstones and will yield positive results for exhibitors and gold and jewelry dealers,' Al Midfa stated.

In turn, Sultan Shattaf, Director of Sales and Marketing Department, Expo Centre Sharjah, stated that the 48th WJMES is filled with amazing surprises, including a wonderful opportunity to win the grand prize 'BMW x2', in addition to daily raffle draws on gold and diamond prizes.
The Show opens doors to visitors, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 12 pm to 10 pm, Thursday from 12 pm to 11 pm, and Friday from 3 pm to 11 pm.