Jewellery, Gem & Technology Dubai, the new premier international B2B marketplace that will be held from February 22 to 24 next year, will furnish the gem and jewellery community with a valuable platform to help reset and restart business activities in the post-lockdown world.

Jewellery, Gem & Technology Dubai (JGT Dubai) will open up a whole new world of markets and business opportunities when it makes its debut at the Dubai World Trade Centre from February 22 to 24, 2022.

Poised to reinvigorate the gem and jewellery industry, the international B2B in-person trade fair aims to spark fresh ideas and inspiring conversations between global buyers and suppliers in one of the world’s most dynamic hubs for jewellery and precious stones. The three-day B2B jewellery sourcing experience also leverages Dubai’s strengths as the global gateway to the Middle East, Africa, India, Central Asia and Russia. The show will draw exhibitors from all over the world and attract high-calibre buyers within seven hours of flying time from Dubai.

JGT Dubai is powered by two of the world’s leading events organisers – Informa Markets Jewellery and the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG). The show is supported by Official Partner, DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre), and Industry Partner, the Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group (DGJG).

“Our collaboration with IEG is unprecedented in the events industry, and it will certainly not be the last,” said David Bondi, senior vice president of Informa Markets in Asia. “During these unique times, our priority is to create opportunities that will deliver the best results for our community, and JGT Dubai is something that we can do better – together.”

IEG CEO Corrado Peraboni commented, “Our jewellery sourcing events in core markets around the world – be it in Europe, North America or the Middle East – highlight the true scale of our reach as an industry partner. In February 2022, expect us to bring our global experience and local expertise to bear in delivering one of the industry’s premier meeting points.”

Dubai has established itself as a global trade hub and a key point on the map for JGT Dubai. DMCC Executive Chairman and CEO, and Dubai Diamond Exchange Chairman Ahmed Bin Sulayem said, “Hospitality and the ability to bring people together is in Dubai’s DNA, and we are fast becoming the capital of the precious metals and jewellery trade. Held before the major shows in Las Vegas and Hong Kong, JGT Dubai will set the scene and be a showcase of invention. By hosting dialogue and debate, we will connect minds and spur the type of innovation required to take our industry to the next level.”

New beginnings

Despite a still challenging macroeconomic picture, the jewellery community is springing back from the pandemic through sheer creativity, adaptability and agility. Business-boosting initiatives are vital to building an even more resilient future for the industry.

JGT Dubai offers suppliers the opportunity to unlock the full potential of a combined market of four billion consumers – all within seven hours of flying time from Dubai. The buying opportunity is especially focused on wholesalers, retailers and manufacturers from the Middle East, India, Russia, Southern Europe and North Africa.

For buyers, the marketplace grants them exclusive access to an outstanding roster of international manufacturers, designers and jewellery ateliers, and the opportunity to explore and discover forward-thinking trends in jewellery, gemstones and industry-related technology and services – all under one roof.

The trade fair has received strong industry-wide support, with association leaders from various markets and sectors welcoming the high-impact jewellery sourcing experience.

DGJG Chairman Tawhid Abdullah remarked, “Dubai has a well-organised gold and jewellery sector. Big companies represent around 65 per cent of the business. Dubai is also a major hub to the Gulf countries and other markets. We have the logistics, the volumes and the import-export numbers. JGT Dubai is the professional B2B platform we have been needing, and the trade is committed to its success.”

Business prospects

The show’s inaugural edition provides an international platform for companies eager for a fresh start in a post-lockdown business environment.

To date, major finished jewellery manufacturers such as Giovanni Ferraris of Italy and KGK Jewellery (HK) Ltd, and gemstone suppliers AV Gems of Germany, KP Sanghvi and Sheetal Middle East DMCC are among JGT Dubai’s select exhibitors.

The Middle East, the Gulf region, Russia, CIS countries and Africa account for around 25 per cent of the global sales of Greece’s DL Liapis Jewellery Co. “We are participating in JGT Dubai to introduce our brand and collections to new retailers and markets and further expand our international network,” said the company’s Konstantinos Liapis.

Bakone Minerals will highlight its top-quality gems such as diamonds, rubies, tanzanites, emeralds and sapphires at the show. It intends to touch base with high-end dealers and manufacturers at JGT Dubai.

A major player in the Middle East region for some 24 years now, KGK Group sees JGT Dubai as an opportunity for strategic business growth and a valuable endeavour to further strengthen Dubai’s position as a diamond trade hub, noted vice chairman Sanjay Kothari.

He added, “JGT Dubai is also a great opportunity for industry members to meet in person. KGK is more than pleased to once again have a large-scale, face-to-face trade experience.”

KGK Group will showcase its manufacturing strength by displaying selections from its various gem and jewellery businesses. Pride of place will belong to its new line of bridal and illusion jewellery collections created specifically for the Middle East market. KGK will also present high-value diamonds from its factories in Russia and Botswana.

Antique jewellery specialist Michael Yousouffian said JGT Dubai provides the ideal platform to revive his company’s ambitions in the Middle East, which it had explored a few years ago before deciding to concentrate on Asian clients.

Yousouffian has deep ties to the region. His company was founded in the 1800s, and his grandfather was the jeweller to King Farouk of Alexandria, Egypt. His visit to Alexandria last year uncovered a trove of historical documents attesting to the family’s past. To reconnect with his roots, these documents along with fine selections of newly manufactured jewellery pieces will be displayed at Yousouffian’s booth at JGT Dubai.

“The Middle East market is the future. Buyers from the region prefer more opulent jewellery parures, whole sets of jewellery pieces. We have prepared special dedicated collections to promote at the show,” Yousouffian said.

Technology solutions providers such as Legor, Doma Automation, Italimpianti Orafi and 3D Print, and members of AFEMO (Italian Association of Jewellery Machinery Manufacturers and Exporters) are also participating in the fair’s inaugural edition.

Special events

JGT Dubai will be held during the largest cultural event ever staged in the Middle East – Expo 2020 Dubai, which started on October 1, 2021 and will run till the end of March 2022.

Two major world-class jewellery trade events are also taking place on February 21, right before JGT Dubai. The Dubai Diamond Conference (DDC) 2022, organised by DMCC, is a thought leadership event that will convene great minds to help industry stakeholders navigate the constantly changing world of diamonds. Technology, finance, sustainability and trade are all on the agenda for DDC 2022.

Jewellery World Awards (JWA) is also holding the presentation ceremonies of its 2021 programme and its regional edition, JWA Dubai. Organised by Informa Markets Jewellery, JWA is among the most respected award programmes in the jewellery and gemstone community. JWA Dubai, organised by Informa Markets Jewellery and IEG, recognises outstanding achievements and contributions made in the Middle East region.