Under the patronage of HE the Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the thirteenth edition of Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE) was opened to crowds yesterday by HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs, Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud at the new Doha Exhibition and Convention Center in West Bay, following a glittering VIP reception on 22nd February.

Organized by Qatar Tourism Authority and delivered by Elan Group and Fira Barcelona, DJWE 2016 is the largest ever edition of the leading jewellery and watch exhibition. The hundreds who flocked into the glimmering interiors of West Bay’s new Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC) seemed impressed by the brand-new displays, and keen to participate in DJWE’s new activities and services.

“It has been a superb first day, and best ever visitor response,” said Mr Ahmed Al-Mulla, Chief Operations Officer of Elan Entertainment. “Having worked hard to make this edition of DJWE stand out for highest quality, widest choice, and unparalleled visitor experience, we are delighted by the success of the opening.”

“Some exhibitors have already noticed potential buyers for unique, one-off creations which will only ever be publicly viewable here,” Mr Al-Mulla continued. “We look forward to welcoming many thousands more visitors during the remaining four days of DJWE. Our brand exhibitors, special information seminars, workshops, and of course the extraordinary creations on display continue to demonstrate why DJWE is celebrated as a world-leading luxury event.”

More than five hundred brands from twenty-seven countries are on display at this year’s exhibition, offering greater variety and choice of high-quality products than in any previous year to all visitors. The new DECC’s vast pillar-less floor area, superb lighting, central location and amenities provide over 29,000 sqm of exhibiting space, an increase of 16 percent on the 2015 edition.

Each jewel exhibited at DJWE is evaluated for size, clarity and quality, and the exhibition standards allow entry to only the world’s most precious metals: platinum; palladium; pure and sterling silver; and white, yellow, and rose gold. With new, more stringent selection criteria in place, and an abundance of rare and one-off creations, this year’s showcase for the world’s loveliest gems reaffirms Doha’s eminence among locations renowned for luxury.

Visitors this week should look out for the variety of new activities and services ornamenting DJWE 2016: on-the-spot gem certification through the International Gemological Institute’s mobile gem-testing lab; four information seminars providing details about process, choosing and maintenance of the astonishing creations on display; jewellery and horology workshops for enthusiasts and designers to see great craftsmanship at work; and special viewing areas for greater privacy while taking a closer look at individual pieces.

The sparkling exhibition is made possible this year through the generous support and energy of its Official Sponsor, QNB, joined by a distinguished line-up of official partners – Qatar Airways, Hilton Doha, and MPP.

DJWE 2016 runs between 23-27 February, from 12:00–22:00 each day, at DECC (off Diplomat Road, behind City Center Mall). DECC is easy to reach by car, or, for those looking to enjoy the balmy weather of early spring, it is a pleasant stroll from central West Bay locations.

Entry is free, and DECC amenities available to DJWE visitors include wifi, refreshments and seating areas.