Watch and Jewellery Dubai (WJD) 2005, currently being held at the Airport Expo Dubai (5th to 9th December) is generating significant interest among exhibitors and trade visitors from the GCC region, rest of the Middle East proving that further sizeable growth opportunities continue to exist for Dubai’s US$3-billion retail jewellery trade. Participating companies have reported substantial business enquiries during the first three days, according to organisers Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

The five-day exhibition has attracted leading names in the jewellery industry. In fact, this year's edition has seen a larger international representation with country pavilions from Hong Kong, Italy, Turkey, Belgium, India, Thailand, Korea, Brazil, apart from independent participants and leading Dubai-based companies.

While it is too soon to talk on the deals inked, consider the fact that despite its modest size, the UAE remains one of the world's top ten gold consuming countries. UAE’s gold consumption increased from 88 tonnes in 2003 to 96 tonnes in 2004, representing a nine per cent growth.

Rosy Blue, one of the world's biggest and most renowned leaders in the design, manufacture and distribution of fine diamonds and jewellery reported: “With global vision and dedication to serving the needs of every client, Rosy Blue is 'More than Diamonds',” said Dilip Mehta, CEO, Rosy Blue. “As a leading siteholder and a premier client of the Diamond Trading Company (DTC) of the De Beers Group, we are a key infrastructure provider to both small and large businesses. We are partners to our clients in the truest sense and are delighted with the visitor turnout at the event.”

Another big player is Aspeco NV the Antwerp-based partner of K. Girdharlal, a modern, high tech jewellery manufacturer with distribution offices in the major diamond centres of the world, including New York, Hong Kong, Dubai, Shanghai, Mumbai and Antwerp. Last year the company was the second largest exporter of polished diamonds in India, and has been a DTC sightholder for over 10 years. The company believes in building long-term relationships with partners and investing in industry-leading customer service.

Major local players like Damas, Bin Hendi, Istana, Chatila, Scintilla, Amwaj, Pure Gold, Salem Al Shueiby, Dhamani, Nabil Cheail, Hatta New World, Hanna Freres also received numerous enquiries.

Regional companies had it good as well. Diamond House from Qatar, Al Fares from Kuwait, Al Dhahm from Saudi Arabia evoked considerable interest among the trade visitors.

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