Mixed Response for VOD in Dubai

Merged format of B2B & B2C Show at VOD Dubai received a mixed response. The timing of the show seems to be a bigger concern for the exhibitors says Arpit Kala.

Dubai’s standing as the undisputed jewellery capital of the Middle East has been reaffirmed after the trade and consumer buyers flocked to VOD Dubai International Jewellery Show, which was held at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 15th to 18th November.

This is the first show after Vicenzaoro and Dubai Int’l Jewellery Week teamed up to provide a common platform for retailers and manufacturers to showcase their jewellery at one place. The show was divided in three parts - retail section, global brands and trade only floor.

A lot of exhibitors expressed their concern about the timing of the show. Dubai Show has been held in the month of December for many years, which gives a good 45-50 days gap from the Sharjah Show, which happens in the first week October. A lot of exhibitors felt that conducting this show in November has resulted in a weak footfall of end-consumers as they are done with their purchases in October and only leftover consumers were seen on the floor.

Talking about the issue, Luca Veronesi Director of VOD Dubai International Jewellery Show said, “This timing is perfect looking at the global calendar and we have to consider many factors and as it is no more a local show but a global international show.” He mentioned that there would not be any change in the show dates in the future as well. He further added that he would like it to fall between Sharjah and Bahrain Show.

Haresh Pahuja of ITAN Jewels said, “Show has been decent, we had our regular customers over the years visiting us. I must say that VOD has really worked hard to make the show global.”

“The exhibition has been a success for us so far, and we look forward to making more sales on the closing day of the show,” said Mansukh Kothari, Director, Vasupati Jewellers. “We have met many potential buyers already, especially those from Pakistan and Bangladesh,” he added.

They were many Indian retailers seen on the floor for mid season buying, like Saurabh Gadgil from PNG Jewellers, Ishu Datwani from Anmol Jewellers, Raman Jethi from Krishna Krishna Jewellers, Arpit Rastogi from Lala Jugal Kishore Jewellers, Suresh from Vaibhav Jewellers and more. Apart from India, delegates from Pakistan and Sri Lanka also visited the show. Bangladesh buyers were active on the floor, as they have not visited Indian Shows in the last 6 months.

The show had various talks by stylists, editors and trend forecasters along with Arab Fashion Week as an added attraction this year.

The show had the support of important strategic partners including ITA – Italian Trade Agency, Dubai Multi Commodity Center (DMCC), Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group (DGJG), Gem Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) from India and TRENDVISION Jewellery & Forecasting, which all aided in facilitating a collective platform for sharing client lists, industry knowledge and expertise in trading, training, international conferences and more.

VOD Dubai International was officially opened by Her Excellency Dr. Maitha bint Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State and UAE Cabinet Member. Her Excellency was joined at the opening by esteemed VIPs including Ambassador Liborio Stellino, Italian Embassy, Abu Dhabi; Valentina Setta, Consulate General for the Italian Consulate in Dubai; Mansoor Al Thani, DV Global Link Chairman; Corrado Facco, Vice Chairman of DV Global Link and Managing Director of Italian Exhibition Group (IEG); Trixie Loh Mirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management, DWTC; Tamjid Abdullah, Deputy Director of Jawahara, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC); Franco Bosoni, Director of Commodities at DMCC; Jacob Abrian, Founder and CEO of Arab Fashion Week (AFW), as well as Rubel Antonio, Chairman & CFO of AFW and Gianpaolo Bruno, Italian Trade Commissioner.