International Jewellery Dubai (IJD), scheduled for April 23 to 27 at Airport Expo, will dedicate a special area for companies dealing in jeweller's tools and equipment.
The World Gold Council and the Diamond High Council (Antwerp) are supporting the exhibition, the Middle East's most important event for jewellery professionals.
Trade suppliers are enthusiastic about the event because of the growing regional demand for tools and machinery used in the manufacturing process and packaging.
The exhibition's new 'equipment section', the first time a dedicated area has been allotted in its seven-year history, has also boosted interest among major international players who provide machinery to European markets, the organisers said.
A range of world-class options and new technological advances that are helping to fuel the growth of jewellery sales in many of the world's leading manufacturing centers will be featured in that section, said a Dubai World Trade Centre statement.
According to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, there are currently 844 jewellery traders in Dubai alone.
The Gold and Diamond Park, which currently houses 118 jewellery workshops and 30 retail units, is being expanded and there are expectations that the number of traders and manufacturers will rise. Consequently the demand for tools and equipment will likely grow.
"The exhibition has always attracted interest from companies that focus on the needs of the trade Ñ including equipment manufacturers and companies specialising in jewellery packaging. However, this year we are witnessing a marked increase in interest from suppliers of equipment, tools and packaging who focus on the needs of the trade. These include several newcomers," said Jackie Reed, international project manager for the exhibition.
Jewellers from throughout the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Europe participate regularly in the annual exhibition and showcase a range of products.
Exhibits include cut and uncut precious gems, gold, platinum and silver ornaments, pearls, antique specimens, costume jewellery, good-quality watches and clocks and silverware.
As many as 222 exhibitors from 27 countries participated in the 2001 event. There were more than 15,500 visitors, including 4,167 trade professionals.
