Dubai International Jewellery Week, slated at Dubai World Trade Centre from 4 to 7 December 2013 is expected to ride on the rise in consumer demand for fine jewellery, precious stones, diamonds, pearls and watches in the UAE.

UAE residents and tourists spent a total of AED10.2 billion on gold and jewellery in 2012, while the final quarter of the year saw a 6 percent increase in jewellery spending, up from AED1.4 billion to AED1.5 billion, according to Dubai Customs. With the UAE economy forecast to grow by 3.3% in 2013, and the GCC economy to reach a record high of US$1.46 trillion, consumer spending should remain strong, which bodes well for the 350 exhibitors from more than 25 countries who have signed up to participate in the sold-out show this year.

The four-day show will welcome 120 new exhibitors from Australia, Indonesia, Kuwait, Portugal, and more, attracting leading international brands, regional manufacturers and distributors, retailers, jewellery designers and buyers who wish to source the best quality jewellery at the best prices.

Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre, the organisers of Dubai International Jewellery Week, said: “Visitors this year will have the opportunity to buy some of the most beautiful, creative jewellery designs from around the world at affordable prices. Dubai is one of the top shopping destinations in the world and today accounts for approximately 25% of global physical gold trade. “Dubai International Jewellery Week underlines the significance of the jewellery industry in the region and allows consumers to support local and regional talent while also discovering stunning one-of-a-kind design pieces and the latest trends from around the world.”

Running alongside the event is the 5th Jewellery Design Awards, attracting amateur and professional designers from across the world, each competing to be rewarded for excellence in jewellery design, innovation and creativity. GIA Middle East will additionally be conducting daily seminars at Dubai International Jewellery Week. The popular Hosted Buyer Programme also returns, providing top-level buyers, from KSA, Kuwait, Qatar, Russia and Turkey among others, an opportunity to meet with the exhibitors of their choice for focused one-to-one appointments, while raffles and prize draws will up for grabs throughout the four days.