DUBAI: The Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show, which ran from Jan. 31 to Feb. 4 in Sharjah, showcased the creativity and skill of young Emirati designers.

Their collections, which combined global appeal with Emirati heritage, were prominently featured at the Emirates Jewellers’ Pavilion to support emerging entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized enterprises in the jewelry design sector, the Emirates News Agency reported.

This pavilion this year welcomed more than 20 designers, including eight newcomers who were making their debut at the exhibition. 

It attracted a significant number of visitors and aficionados of gold craftsmanship, while showcasing hundreds of items, including jewelry pieces crafted with diamonds and gold.

Emirati designer Shama Al-Falasi stood out with her diamond painting project and a series of gold creations that fused traditional motifs with modern aesthetics.

Abdullah Sultan Al-Owais, chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Expo Centre Sharjah, said the platform had witnessed a significant increase in the number of Emirati entrepreneurs this year, with approximately 420 designers now associated with the platform.

Mona Al-Suwaidi, director of the executive office of the SCCI’s chairman, spoke of a 20 percent increase in male designer participation at the pavilion.

She added that the pavilion hosted several workshops during the event, covering such topics as gemstone carving techniques, gold quality classification, and its processing.

The pavilion also facilitated discussions between Emirati designers and representatives from Italian companies.