Dubai: Her Excellency Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, yesterday officially opened Jewellery, Gem & Technology Dubai (JGT Dubai) at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), kicking off 2022’s sourcing calendar for professional buyers eager for the full in-person experience and a return to business following a two-year hiatus.
Running through Thursday, the three-day B2B fair is jointly organised by Informa Markets Jewellery and Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), and powered by DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) and the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group (DGJG) – the fair’s official and industry partners, respectively.
“As business comes surging back, JGT Dubai is providing buyers the opportunity to meet with suppliers exactly where they are needed and in a high-energy, immersive environment that is as safe as it is productive,” says David Bondi, Senior Vice President of Informa Markets in Asia. “Together with our show co-organiser, IEG, we call on buyers to make the most out of this fair to discover new products, form new partnerships, and get inspired and energised like never before.”
Bondi also lauded the Government of Dubai, DMCC and DGJG for their warm welcome and vote of confidence – “not only for our event but for the future of the jewellery industry.”
“JGT Dubai has generated a great deal of interest in the international gold and jewellery community since its announcement, and today, we are proud to see the show open its doors to the industry’s global players,” says Corrado Peraboni, CEO of Italian Exhibition Group. “This mutual feeling of great satisfaction is proof of the worthiness of efforts made alongside Informa Markets Jewellery, aided by the valuable support of the Dubai Government, DMCC and DGJG, in offering the sector a new important opportunity to strengthen and develop business in strategic markets.”
The fair is pulling back the curtains on must-have products for 2022 and beyond. Featuring more than 300 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions, JGT Dubai has seven national pavilions under the banners of Belgium, Colombia, India, Israel, Italy, Spain and Turkey. Exhibitors from other major sourcing locations also shine in zones dedicated to fine and finished jewellery, loose diamonds and coloured gemstones, and technology solutions and equipment.
Starting from today, visitors, including overseas buyers from more than 100 countries and regions, are anticipated to hit the show floor. Key among them are hosted buyers from Saudi Arabia, Russia, India, Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, Armenia and Brazil. Notably, the fair is hosting 200+ wholesalers, retailers and brands from around 30 countries spanning Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, South America and South Asia.
Premier global event:
It is also fitting that the premier event that brings together key players in the jewellery sector is taking place in Dubai. With its unparalleled access to the world’s largest emerging markets, gold and diamond trading hub status, and a spectacular skyline that has captured the world’s attention like no other, the city serves as the perfect backdrop for JGT Dubai.
“Being the ‘City of Gold,’ Dubai truly deserves a world-class jewellery exhibition with the synergy of local trade and their international counterparts. We are thrilled to see the dawn of JGT Dubai, which is aimed to grow as one of the most sought-after events in the annual calendar for jewellery businesses around the world. The show has the highest potential to create significant business opportunities among the participants and stakeholders in the coming years,” says Tawhid Abdulla, Chairman of the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group.
Amedeo Scarpa, Director of ICE/ITA in the UAE, adds, “ICE/ITA Italian Trade Agency is very glad to support the first edition of JGT Dubai. Jewellery represents Italy’s top exports to the UAE in value terms, and we are the third-largest global jewellery supplier to the country. At JGT Dubai, ITA has invited professional buyers and dealers from the MEASA area (Middle East, Africa and South Asia), has set up a lounge for B2B meetings at the Italian Pavilion, and is going to launch, together with the Embassy of Italy and the Consulate General, ‘Italy is simply extraordinary: be IT’ — a national brand communication campaign on sustainable jewellery.
High-growth market:
To show participants, JGT Dubai signals a real restart for the industry and sets the stage for rebuilding and growth.
“We are very excited about bringing Israeli companies to Dubai for the first time. Since the Abraham Accords were signed, Dubai has become a very important trading partner for the Israeli Diamond Industry. I am sure that this will not be our last show in Dubai,” says Aviel Elia, managing director of the Israel Diamond Institute (IDI). IDI is the organiser of the Israel Diamond Pavilion, which is hosting 12 companies.
Colin Shah, chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), likewise underscores the UAE’s importance as one of the largest gemstone and jewellery export markets for India.
“Fourteen percent of India’s total gemstone and jewellery exports are targeted to the UAE, valued at US$4.65 billion. Dubai has been a gateway for the most strategic jewellery markets such as the Gulf countries, Russia, Eastern Europe, North and East Africa, India, Central Asia, and South and East Asia. JGT Dubai will be an opportunity for Indian manufacturers to conduct business, expand their clientele and feel the pulse of the world market,” says Shah, whose association represents the interests of India’s major jewellery and gemstone companies, and serves as the host of the India Pavilion at the fair.
For ACODES (Colombian Emerald Exporters Association), JGT Dubai offers the South American country’s emerald suppliers countless opportunities to connect with decision-makers with real buying power.
“The Colombian emerald industry welcomes with great enthusiasm this new fair in Dubai, a hub for the gemstone and jewellery trade for centuries. With the support of Informa Markets Jewellery, IEG, DMCC and DGJG, Dubai will become the new Mecca for emeralds,” says Guillermo Galvis, president of ACODES. The Colombia Pavilion hosts 10 of the country’s established emerald suppliers.
New discovery opportunities:
Overseas buyers are primed to explore the diverse product offerings at JGT Dubai. “I have really been looking forward to attending this show, which is hosted by the beautiful city of Dubai,” says Florencia Boskis of Floboskis Stad of Argentina. “The showcases of JGT Dubai’s exhibitors are amazing.”
Mauricio Okubo of Brazil’s Julio Okubo Joias is all set to find his next bestsellers at the show.
“After a long period of difficulties, I hope to find suppliers and discover trends that can help my business grow. I’m excited about building new partnerships, connecting with big brands, engaging with important entrepreneurs within our sector, and finding new collections in Dubai,” Okubo shares.
Amplifying the JGT Dubai experience were two world-class gatherings that had their successful staging yesterday – the Dubai Diamond Conference organised by DMCC, and Informa Markets Jewellery’s Jewellery World Awards and JWA Dubai awards presentation ceremony. Recordings of these events will be available online.
Additionally, JGT Dubai runs concurrently with the largest cultural event ever staged in the Middle East – Expo 2020 Dubai, which opened last October and will run through 31 March 2022.
