DOHA: Over 500 brands, including those that recently penetrated the Qatari luxury market, will dazzle at the 12th Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition from February 24 to 28 at Qatar National Convention Centre.
“Visitors will not only see the familiar names that have participated in the exhibition every year but also many new brands which have recently entered the Qatari market,” Hamad Al Abdan, Director, Exhibitions, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), told a press conference yesterday at W Doha Hotel.
He said the increase in the number of participating brands proves the expo “continues to become one of the most preferred business-to-consumer platforms for the international and regional luxury sector”. The upcoming edition, he said, would be bigger than the previous one. “We have increased the space by 25 percent and the expo is spread across five halls at the centre, covering 25,000sqm. “This is being implemented to ensure that the increase in the number of brands is well attended in terms of convenience and visibility.”
Underpinning the growth of the MICE sector is QTA’s commitment to ensure Qatar competes with the region’s business tourism destinations, he said.
“Business tourism has been growing fast in recent years and we remain determined to maintain growth by exploiting an untapped MICE market we believe will be worth up to $1.5bn by 2030,” he added.
Sponsored by Qatar National Bank, the expo is being managed and organised by q.media Events in collaboration with international partner Fira Barcelona.
Ibrahim Abdullah Al Malki, Chief Enterprise Officer, q.media, said, “The significance of the exhibition has transcended the national border as it keeps growing in terms of participation and reputation. This is where people want to be and see the best the luxury world has on offer.”
Al Malki said q.media Events will soon launch an advertising and public relations campaign for domestic, regional and international markets through different channels to ensure maximum reach and impact. He said the expo website is now active.
Aleix Salvado, Qatar Business Manager, Fira Barcelona, said, “We look forward to the 2015 edition with confidence and pride as the exhibition continues accelerating momentum, enhancing experiences year on year and gaining immense respect on the international level.”
Themed ‘Timeless Elegance’, the expo is poised for a grand opening with luxurious watches and jewellery celebrating the never-ending appeal of inspiring creativity and grand craftsmanship.
The Peninsula
