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A sparkling showcase of jewellery, gems and luxury time pieces awaited aficionados as they flocked to Bahrain's annual glitter and glamour extravaganza that runs at the Bahrain Exhibition Centre until Saturday evening.
Thousands of people from Bahrain and abroad made their way to the most prestigious jewellery exhibition in the Middle East - Jewellery Arabia 2009 which opened last night.
The number of vistors is expected to grow rapidly as the exhibition, spanning a total floor area of 18,000 square metres, opens for its exclusive 'ladies morning' tomorrow and the weekend attracts buyers in large numbers from neighbouring Gulf States
Arabian Exhibition Management's chief executive officer Stephen Key said that despite the current global economic climate, Jewellery Arabia 2009 had sold out all its available space to exhibitors. He added: "Local businesses are one of the main beneficiaries of Jewellery Arabia. International jewellery houses participate through Bahraini agents and smaller local jewellers are presented to a wider buying audience from throughout the GCC.
"It is also important to remember that Jewellery Arabia is not just a consumer show; there is a strong business-to-business element. The local industry greatly benefits from this by buying items wholesale from the manufacturers while also forming new relationships and partners."
This year, 33 local companies including some of Bahrain's leading jewellers - Bahrain Jewellery Centre, Asia Jewellers, Al Mahmood Pearls and Al Zain - have joined 600 others from 30 countries to come together to display their latest designs.
The single largest exhibitor at Jewellery Arabia 2009 is Bahrain Jewellery Centre which has returned with the latest collections from more than 40 prestigious brands and a host of the world's most famous master jewellers and watchmakers in a boutique format.
Audemars Piguet, Cartier, Chopard, De Beers, Graff Diamonds, Harry Winston, Hublot, Patek Phillipe and Piaget are among the numerous brands that have made a return appearance. Meanwhilie, new brands this year include Roger Dubuis and Bertolucci.
Asia Jewellers 1,000 square metres stand comprises of 27 international jewellery and watch companies. Its main anchor partner, Cartier is displaying exclusive jewellery sets that have been brought in from Paris specially for the event.
The designs of local jewellers will also be highlighted by a pavilion of Bahrain jewellers and coordinated by the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce.
Jewellery Arabia is being held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The event was also chosen to launch the first edition of the Jewels of Arabia 2009-2010, a 444-page coffee table book devoted to jewellery.
The exhibition will be open daily from 4pm to 10pm until Saturday. The ladies only morning will be held tomorrow from 10am to 1pm. Entry is free. Children under 16 will not be admitted. For further information visit: www.jewelleryarabia.com
l The new Rolls-Royce Ghost model will be displayed at the show.
The BD130,000 car was unveiled at the Euro Motors showroom in Sitra on Monday.
Full review in next week's MotoringWeekly.
