“Bahrain sustains growth patterns by utilising the exhibitions as a major driver of the economic prosperity and raising the living standards of the citizens,” His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa said.
HRH, who inaugurated the Jewellery Arabia 2011 at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC), took keen interest in the exhibition in which 550 eminent jewellery houses from 30 countries are taking part, displaying precious gems, finished jewellery and luxury watches.
He also visited an art exhibition of Honorary President of the Bahrain Arts Society and Undersecretary for the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence, Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.
HRH Prince Khalifa said that the government’s plans and programmes are aimed to upgrade economic performance and increase growth rates so as to ensure the welfare of the Bahraini citizens.
“The steady growth of the exhibition industry in the kingdom, despite of the critical world economic situation, proves that it has become a milestone hub of international exhibitions and a favourable destination for mega companies. Thanks to its perfect conditions that ensure the success of such functions,” HRH Premier said, noting that the exhibition industry is a unique one as it boosts the economic momentum and provides guidance and data on which the government sets up its policies concerning tourism and diversification of revenues.
“The Kingdom’s success in attracting key specialized exhibitions is a living proof of mega companies’ confidence in Bahrain and their keen desire to use it as gate to the region,” HRH Premier added, noting that the government’s policies aimed at stimulating local and international investments.
He asserted that the mega companies’ participation in the expo hosted by the Kingdom and the growing number of exhibitors reflect the distinctive investment and economic climate Bahrain enjoy, thanks to the incentives and facilities provided by the government.
HRH Premier also praised the large scale participation at Jewellery Arabia and the growing world interest in the brands displayed in it, asserting that they testify to the outstanding success achieved by the event, held annually for the 20th time in a row.
He also pointed out that such exhibitions play an essential role in promoting the Kingdom internationally, pledging that the government’s support for the exhibition industry will continue unabated so as to consolidate Bahrain’s position as a regional and global exhibitions hub in order to enhance cooperation with participating companies and increase economic revenues.
Industry and Commerce Minister Dr. Hassan Abdulla Fakhro said that Bahrain has been hosting the show for the past two decades and is keen to attract more businesses in future to Jewellery Arabia 2011 in order to project a milestone image of the Kingdom as a leader in the gold and jewellery industry.
He also commended the wise leadership’s incessant support for all the economic functions hosted by the kingdom, especially Jewellery Arabia which, he said, reflects the rich pearling history of the country for which it has always been called the “Pearl of the Gulf”.
The 20th exhibition in this prestigious series runs until Saturday 26 November, where collectively, they form the largest display of precious gems, finished jewellery and luxury watches in the Middle East.
“Over the past 20 years, Jewellery Arabia has steadily evolved into the single most important jewellery and watch exhibition in the Middle East. Its reputation, size, quality of exhibits and sheer variety is unique in the region. We are looking forward in all confidence to yet another exceptional event,” said Arabian Exhibition Management’s director of sales and marketing Fawzi Al Shehabi.
He said they are expecting 50,000 visitors to attend the expo over the five days. Al Shehabi said that people should visit the event without any worries everything is safe and sound in and around the BIEC premises.
Some of the exhibitors participating in the event are also from Brazil, Hong Kong, India and Malaysia complements this line up. Collectively, these groups of companies reflect the very best manufacturing capabilities, design expertise and gemmological resources that their respective countries have to offer. The dynamic and innovative designs of local jewellers are also be spotlighted by a dedicated pavilion of Bahrain jewellers, coordinated by Tamkeen.
Joining these high profile brands and national groups are some of the Middle East’s finest retailers and manufacturers, led by a selection of some of Bahrain’s leading jewellers. They include Bahrain Jewellery Centre, Asia Jewellers, Al Mahmood Pearls, Al Zain, Devji and AJM Kooheji among others.
The exhibition’s high quality profile and enthusiastic consumer following continues to reflect the region’s passion for fine jewellery, which has succeeded in creating one of the world’s largest and most dynamic markets.
Further highlighting the importance of Jewellery Arabia to the Middle East jewellery and watch industry, for the seventh successive year, the Middle East Watches, Jewellery and Pen Awards was held on the sidelines of the exhibition at the Ritz Carlton Hotel Bahrain.
Jewellery Arabia will remain open until (Saturday) 26th November from 10.00 to 13.00 and 16.00 to 22.00.