An interview with Mr Mohammed Ebrahim, Informa Markets, Exhibitions Director
Scintillating jewels as far as the eye can see. Some set in exquisite designs – modern and classic, some uncut, nestled against black velvet- each akin to a piece of molten sun reflecting the radiance in a myriad of colours – white, yellow, blue and pink and yet others still set in luxury timepieces. Lustrous pearls and gold of all hues also find a place under the vast expanse of the Exhibition World Bahrain which houses the region’s most prestigious Jewellery and Watch exhibition – Jewellery Arabia.
A must-attend event in Bahrain’s calendar, Jewellery Arabia, is held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain. From Cartier, Bulgari, Patek Phillipe and more – most world-famous jewellery houses and watch manufacturers have been consistent participants many of whom choose Jewellery Arabia to introduce new collections and limited-edition pieces to the Middle East collector’s market.
The 2023 edition is a true blend of contemporary and bold design, drawing inspiration from the Art Deco movement, a unique vision combining avant-garde styles with fine craftsmanship marks a new direction for Jewellery Arabia. Life N Style Magazine spoke to Mr Mohammed Ebrahim, Exhibitions Director, Informa Markets, who has been with the organisation for 15 years and has seen the exhibition’s stratospheric growth trajectory.
“My 15 years at Informa Markets have been an incredible journey. It’s been a dynamic and evolving experience filled with opportunities for growth and innovation. It is amazing to see how the shows have transformed throughout the years and how the Bahrain market has evolved. We made an incredible shift to the new venue last year and have worked on welcoming new exhibitors and adding new features. It’s amazing to run those events here and to be part of the economic growth of Bahrain.”
WHAT’S NEW AT JEWELLERY ARABIA
This year the exhibition will be held in five halls with brand new features which include a VIP room to network and relax. There will be a dedicated wristwatch area will be set up for watch enthusiasts and collectors. The returning Jewellery Arabia ‘Rising Stars’ pavilion will grant young jewellery designers the opportunity to showcase their designs.
The popular Gold Souk, a staple of Jewellery Arabia, will also be back this year. Finally, a comprehensive Talks programme exclusively for jewellery enthusiasts will run this year on the Diamond Dialogues Stage.
Dubai Design Academy, which provides accredited professional jewellery-making and design courses are offering workshops throughout the event. These workshops are open to all levels of experience, from beginners to advanced students. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from experienced jewellery makers and designers and to create their unique pieces of jewellery.
CHARTING A GROWTH TRAJECTORY
Jewellery Arabia has grown exponentially – in sheer size and prestige- in the last decade, and to ensure that it remains a must-visit show, especially in the Middle East requires implementing a comprehensive strategy says Mr Ebrahim.
“Our strategy revolved around carefully selecting a diverse range of exhibitors, introducing cutting-edge features and implementing targeted marketing campaigns to engage with our audience. We continuously strive to stay ahead by offering the best possible experience.
Innovation is of utmost importance, and we consistently introduce new features to enhance the show. It is not just a platform for purchasing jewellery; it also serves as an educational forum with informative talks and discussions. Moreover, we recognise the importance of sustainability and actively seek solutions to address the challenges our industry faces today.
Through our commitment to the evolution of the exhibitions industry, we aim to ensure that we are delivering the best possible experience for our customers.
We believe that by moving away from the use of disposable exhibition stands we will improve the ease, quality, safety and sustainability of the exhibitor experience at our events.
GROWING STRONGER TOGETHER
The exhibition from its humble beginnings in 1992, set out to ensure that it can build successful synergies and associations with Bahraini brands and entrepreneurs through the course of many exhibitions and it has been very successful in that aspect.
Mr Ebrahim elaborates and proudly names the brands that have worked hand-in-hand together to ensure the success of Jewellery Arabia through the decades,” Throughout the numerous exhibitions we organise, we have successfully established strong partnerships and connections with Bahraini brands and entrepreneurs. By providing them with a platform to showcase their products and engage with a global audience, we have facilitated the growth of both local and international businesses.
This collaborative approach has nurtured enduring relationships and cultivated a dedicated group of loyal exhibitors who consistently participate in our events. Some of these esteemed exhibitors include Al Zain Group, AMEX (Middle East), Asia Jewellers, Bahrain Jewellery Centre, Behbehani Brothers, Bhaskar Devji, Credimax, Kooheji Jewellery”
It is an exciting time for the industry in the Middle East – with the lucrative neighbouring Saudi Arabia market thriving, as an insider Mr Ebrahim sees this as a chance to capitalise by enhancing their reach,” The Saudi Arabian market presents exciting opportunities for our industry in the Middle East. As insiders, we see this as a chance to expand our reach, collaborate with new partners, and tap into the growing demand for high-quality jewellery and watches in the region. It’s a promising time for our industry, and we’re eager to be part of this growth. We are focusing on the economic growth in Bahrain and are fully aligned with Bahrain 2030 vision of His Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, The Crown Prince And Prime Minister Of The Kingdom Of Bahrain.”
LOOKING FORWARD
As 2023 comes to a close, we asked Mr Ebrahim, about the plans Informa Market has in place for 2024. “We are excited about the upcoming years as it promises a diverse range of events that will invigorate our exhibitions. This includes new product launches, collaborations with emerging designers, and industry conferences that will offer innovative perspectives. Additionally, we are expanding our reach by venturing into new sectors, which will contribute to the enhancement of our events. While we cannot disclose specific details at the moment, rest assured that we are also focusing on improving our existing shows.”
With 15 years at Informa Markets, Mr Ebrahim counts the relentless effort to establish Jewellery Arabia as the premier destination for jewellery and watch enthusiasts in the Middle East as his biggest success.
“However, our most daunting challenge emerged from the disruptions caused by the pandemic, which compelled us to demonstrate adaptability and resilience. The COVID-19 crisis affected all sectors, but we persevered. Continuously exceeding exhibitors’ and visitors’ expectations remains a valuable opportunity. And while we celebrate last year’s success with a new venue, our determination to reach even greater heights fuels our pursuit of the next significant accomplishment”, he says
The 31st edition of Jewellery Arabia will be held from 14 – 18 November 2023 in Halls 3,5, 6, 7 and 8 at Exhibition World Bahrain.
