Sharjah Shines as the Global Jewellery Trade Gathers for the 57th Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show
By Feature Reporter
As the global appetite for luxury jewellery, precious gemstones and investment-grade gold continues to accelerate, Sharjah is once again preparing to take centre stage in the international jewellery industry. From 10 to 14 June 2026, the 57th edition of the Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show will open its doors at Expo Centre Sharjah, bringing together hundreds of exhibitors, renowned designers and industry leaders from around the world.
Widely regarded as the Middle East’s premier gold and jewellery exhibition, the event has evolved into far more than a trade show. It has become a key marketplace where craftsmanship meets commerce, innovation intersects with tradition, and global luxury trends are unveiled before an audience of buyers, collectors, investors and jewellery enthusiasts.
A Global Gathering of Luxury and Craftsmanship
Organised by Expo Centre Sharjah with the support of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), this year’s edition will welcome 400 exhibitors from 19 countries, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most influential jewellery exhibitions in the region. The show’s international reach reflects the increasingly interconnected nature of the luxury jewellery market.
Alongside exhibitors from across the GCC and wider Middle East, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Lebanon and Yemen, participants will arrive from major global markets such as China, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, Thailand, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Adding further international depth, five dedicated country pavilions representing Hong Kong, India, Italy, Singapore and Thailand will showcase some of the world’s finest jewellery craftsmanship, manufacturing expertise and emerging design trends. These curated displays are expected to provide visitors with unique access to exclusive collections and insights into the evolving direction of the global jewellery and watch sectors.
Riding the Wave of a Booming Gold Market
The exhibition arrives at a particularly significant moment for the global gold industry. Demand for gold reached unprecedented levels in 2025, surpassing 5,000 tonnes for the first time in history and generating a market value of approximately US$555 billion.
This remarkable growth highlights gold’s dual appeal as both a luxury commodity and a strategic investment asset. Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty and shifting investment patterns, consumers and investors alike continue to view precious metals and gemstones as stores of value, driving sustained demand across international markets.
For exhibitors, the Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show offers a timely platform to capitalise on this momentum, connect with buyers and explore new business opportunities across the region and beyond.
Driving Innovation Across the Industry
According to H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Chief Executive Officer of Expo Centre Sharjah, the exhibition’s continued success mirrors the strong growth trajectory of the UAE’s gold and jewellery sector.
He emphasised that the event forms part of a broader vision aimed at supporting the sustainable development of luxury jewellery, gemstones and rare collectibles industries. More than simply showcasing products, the exhibition provides a strategic platform for unveiling innovation, identifying emerging market trends and facilitating meaningful business connections.
Al Midfa noted that Expo Centre Sharjah remains committed to enhancing the experience for both exhibitors and visitors through a fully integrated exhibition ecosystem supported by comprehensive logistical and operational services. This commitment, he explained, continues to attract growing international participation while strengthening Sharjah’s position as a major investment destination within the global jewellery and watch market.
Beyond its commercial impact, the exhibition also contributes significantly to business tourism and international collaboration, creating new opportunities for emerging designers and innovators to access global markets and investment networks.
Exclusive Collections and Rare Creations
Covering an impressive 30,000 square metres, this year’s exhibition will feature an extensive array of products spanning the luxury spectrum. Visitors can expect to discover diamond jewellery, gold, platinum and silver collections, coloured gemstones, pearls, fashion jewellery and luxury timepieces.
Reflecting the industry’s changing landscape, dedicated sections will also focus on lab-grown diamonds, advanced jewellery manufacturing technologies, precious metals and innovative packaging solutions.
Among the highlights will be a selection of exceptional jewellery pieces and limited-edition collections inspired by diverse cultural influences. Many of these creations will incorporate highly sought-after materials including emeralds, rubies, opals and gold, appealing to collectors and connoisseurs seeking rare and distinctive pieces.
These exclusive showcases are expected to further enhance the event’s reputation as a destination for discovering extraordinary craftsmanship and investment-worthy acquisitions.
Celebrating Emirati Talent
One of the exhibition’s standout attractions will be the Emirates Jewellers Platform, a dedicated initiative designed to spotlight the creativity and expertise of Emirati designers.
The platform provides local jewellery creators with the opportunity to present their work alongside major international brands, highlighting the UAE’s rich heritage of craftsmanship while showcasing contemporary design innovation.
For visitors, it offers a unique opportunity to explore jewellery that reflects the country’s cultural identity, blending traditional artistry with modern aesthetics. The initiative also underscores the UAE’s growing status as both a regional and global hub for jewellery design, manufacturing and trade.
A Showcase of Opportunity
With extended opening hours designed to maximise visitor access, the five-day exhibition promises an immersive retail and business experience featuring limited-edition collections, artistic masterpieces and the latest offerings from leading international brands.
Whether attending as an industry professional seeking new partnerships, an investor exploring emerging opportunities, or a collector searching for exceptional pieces, visitors will find a showcase that reflects both the heritage and future of the global jewellery market.
As the doors open on the 57th Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show, Sharjah once again demonstrates its growing influence within the international luxury goods sector. Bringing together world-class exhibitors, pioneering designers and global buyers under one roof, the exhibition serves as a powerful reflection of an industry experiencing unprecedented growth and transformation.
In an era where luxury, craftsmanship and investment increasingly converge, the Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show continues to cement its position as a leading global platform, one that not only celebrates excellence in jewellery and horology but also helps shape the future of the industry itself.
