JEDDAH — Under the patronage of Princess Hasa Bint Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, a gold jewelry fair opened in Jeddah on Tuesday. The fair was inaugurated by Ghassan A. H. Alsulima, CEO and president of Bentley and Al Ghasan motors, in the presences of Haya Sunaidi, the main organizer of the exhibition and president of Reed Sunaidi exhibitions. Other who joined the fair were Eric Deardorff, Chief executive officer Garrard and other sponsors at Hilton Hotel in Jeddah. The fair was participated in by major global jewelery houses. Dana Mohammed Alwi said the exhibition coincided with developments in the global jewelry market, as the Kingdom is one of the biggest market of high quality gold jewelry. Sales of gold jewelry often peaks during the Haj an Umrah seasons, pushing the sales to almost SR16 billion per annum. Sunaidi said the event seeks to support the industry with specialized exhibitions that cater the needs of women. She expressed her satisfaction on the success of another exhibition in Riyadh in the light of the high turnout and number of deals signed, which could open doors for international exhibitors to establish partnerships and opening of permanent shops in the Kingdom. There were seven talented Saudi designers who came out with their latest designs in this exhibition which is a success, organizers said. There were 70 exhibitors from 11 countries that showcased their latest and fabulous jewelry. Jeddah got 30 percent of the gold jewelry as millions of visitors visited the Kingdom annually. She noted that the majority of the pilgrims prefer to purchase from Jeddah because of the diversity of models and designs and that was also the reason of last year's success of jewelry exhibition. The jewelry exhibition is expected to open new doors and ways of trade for gold and jewelry in the Saudi market. Jewelry lovers can have designers from around the world displaying their dazzling designs and exquisite pieces under one roof. Deardorff also said he and his associates are proud to be part of the jewlry exhibition as sponsors. — SG
