Emirati talent shines at Jewellery and Watch Show Abu Dhabi

SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)

The 32nd edition of the Jewellery & Watch Show Abu Dhabi, currently underway in Abu Dhabi, is gaining momentum as a platform for showcasing local talent, according to exhibitors.

Organised by RX and taking place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, the five-day show gathers over 120 brands from around 20 countries.

A meeting point of global and local talent, the exhibition features the International Designers Gallery, the UAE Designers Gallery, and, for the first time, the Sustainable Jewellery Zone, which showcases eco-conscious designs aligned with the UAE’s sustainability vision.

Speaking to Aletihad, exhibitors said that the event offers local talent both visibility and validation.

Designer Amani Al Hammadi of Amani Jewellery said that the exhibition reinforces the UAE’s position as a regional hub for jewellery, transforming creativity into real opportunities and supporting the creative economy.

“We believe the UAE jewellery market is growing rapidly and is giving emerging designers more space to showcase their identity.”

According to Al Hammadi, Emirati women and youth are the primary drivers of demand and design trends, and they strive to offer designs and experiences that align with their tastes and expectations.

“We offer purely modern designs, meticulously handcrafted. We focus on contemporary shapes and clean lines, while handcrafted details provide a quality that technology alone cannot achieve, resulting in pieces that are elegant and cater to the tastes of the modern customer.”

Another Emirati designer, Khadija Alsalami, owner of Harf wa Naqsh Jewellery, pointed to the “remarkable development in the industry”, driven by growing public appreciation for unique design. “My participation highlights the country’s confidence in creative individuals and demonstrates to the world that we have a competitive industry in terms of design, quality and innovation.”

Alsalami, whose work blends heritage with contemporary aesthetics, said that her designs are “inspired by a story, an Emirati symbol, a visual heritage, and a pattern or shape rooted in our culture.”

“But at the same time, I present these elements in a modern language that suits today’s customer, in terms of simplicity, lightness and practicality.”

From the Sustainable Jewellery Zone, Jama Jewels, known for its modern lab-grown diamond collections, highlighted the UAE’s forward-looking market.

Nithya Raj N, Digital Marketing Manager at Jama Jewels, said the UAE has evolved into one of the most dynamic jewellery markets, driven by luxury-driven demand, an appreciation for craftsmanship, and openness to innovation.

“The UAE’s position as a bridge between East and West also allows new trends and technologies, like lab-grown diamonds, to be embraced quickly and confidently,” she said.

“The UAE’s cultural diversity is one of its greatest strengths. With clients and creators from all over the world, the jewellery industry here thrives on cross-cultural inspiration.”