MARKET WATCH 市场观察 34 | JNA November/December 2024 The Middle East is a land of opulence and golden opportunities, and its jewellery manufacturing sector is no exception. Known the world over for their exceptional designs and high-quality finish, Middle Eastern jewellers are counting on global expansion and modernisation to bolster growth. Further shining the spotlight on the Middle East’s thriving jewellery sector is the highly anticipated Jewellery, Gem & Technology in Dubai (JGTD) 2024 scheduled for November 12 to 14 at Halls 1 and 2 South of the Dubai Exhibition Centre. Jointly organised by Informa Markets Jewellery and the Italian Exhibition Group, the show’s third edition features over 350 exhibitors from more than 25 countries and regions. Making their debut this year are two theme zones: The Dubai City of Gold Pavilion and Dubai Jewel Narratives. JNA sat down with Ajay Sobhraj, founder and chairman of Dubai-based Au Finja and Joe Hakim, manager of Lebanon’s Antoine Hakim, who talked about bright spots and challenges in the Middle Eastern jewellery manufacturing scene. Au Finja: Craftsmanship and innovation Established in Dubai in 1997 with just two employees and a refurbished, second-hand machine, Au Finja’s story is that of perseverance and success. “I often say, ‘Well-planned is half done,’ a principle that has guided our early days in the business,” shared Sobhraj. “What began as a modest venture led to a breakthrough in jewellery making as we pioneered the use of CNC machining for bangle production.” Fast-forward to 2024, Au Finja has become one of the Middle East's largest and most inventive jewellery manufacturers. It employs more than 500 skilled artisans and professionals across four manufacturing facilities in the United Arab Emirates, India, Oman and Germany. Specialising in CNC machine-made bangles and bracelets, rings, cuffs and kadas (traditional thick bracelets usually worn on the hands or wrists in India) in 14-, 18-, 21- and 22-karat gold or platinum, and adorned with diamonds, the company has built a solid customer base in the Middle East, North America, Europe, Africa and the Asia-Pacific Au ring by Au Finja Au Finja的Au戒指 Platinum ring by Au Finja Au Finja的铂金戒指 Bracelet by Au Finja Au Finja的手链 | Bernardette Sto. Domingo 杜明高 | The future is glowing for Middle East-based jewellers whose manufacturing prowess, unparalleled creativity and innovative spirit are ushering in a fresh era of growth and stability. 中东地区的珠宝商凭借出色的 首饰制造工艺、超凡的创意和革新精神，正创建新时代，迎向光明前景。 中东珠宝商的黄金传奇 The golden legacy of MIDDLE EASTERN JEWELLERS
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