DJWE 2023 concludes: six days of dazzling jewellery and key industry networking

 The successful edition of DJWE sees thousands of visitors enjoy exclusive collections and extraordinary showpieces by prominent jewellers from around the world

(Doha, Qatar)

The 19^th edition of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE), which ran from February 20 – 25, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC), has successfully concluded. The highly anticipated and longest-running event in Qatar’s annual social calendar was held under the patronage of His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani. Organised by Qatar Tourism and Qatar Business Events Corporation, the event was supported by Qatar Airways as the Official Airline Partner and Qatar National Bank as the Official Sponsor.

This year’s edition was attended by His Highness The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and other prominent dignitaries, as well as celebrities from the region, Bollywood stars and other famed personalities. Nancy Ajram, Irina Shayk, Nasser Al Attiyah, David Coulthard, and Mutaz Barsham were among the illustrious faces that visited the exhibition.

 

As the region’s largest business-to-consumer event of its kind, DJWE 2023 showcased an extensive display of luxurious jewellery and watch collections from over 500 local, regional and international brands.

This year’s big nine exhibitors included Alfardan Jewellery, Ali Bin Ali Luxury, Al Majed Jewellery, Al Muftah Jewellery, Amiri Gems, Bulgari, Blue Salon, Fifty One East and Louis Vuitton. In addition, 10 Qatari designers featured in a dedicated space to showcase their latest collections. DJWE 2023 also saw the return of the Turkish and the Indian pavilions, with vibrant stalls featuring various brands and bespoke designs that each celebrated the unique heritage and culture of these countries.

New to this year was a musical score developed exclusively for this edition by famed Qatari composer, Ms. Dana Al Fardan. In addition, two of Qatar Duty Free’s most iconic cafés, Harrod’s Tea Rooms and Venchi, were present for the first time, as well as Phillips, a leading global platform for buying and selling 20th and 21st century art and design, and which holds the world record for the most successful watch auctions.

In addition, a purpose-built studio was created on-site this year, where numerous interviews took place with notable brands including Damas, Philips and Mukhi Sisters, Chopard, Bulgari, Hublot, as well as local brand, ‘Al Witr’ and much more. 

Commenting on the conclusion of the flagship event, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are proud to conclude another successful edition of DJWE. Every year, DJWE provides thousands of visitors the opportunity to admire hundreds of priceless pieces up-close and meet some of the world’s most respected designers. Many of Qatar’s, and the world’s, leading jewellery brands take this unparalleled opportunity to showcase their latest collections. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the event’s esteemed partners and exhibitors, whose continued support makes this event successful.”

Ms. Heba Ali Al Tamimi, Senior Executive Vice President of QNB Group Communications, said: “At the conclusion of this year’s edition of the DJWE, which attracted a wide turnout of visitors from Qatar, the region and the world, we are delighted for providing our sponsorship that confirms once again our role to sponsor and support national events. We are delighted with contribute to enhancing Qatar’s position as a regional and global hub in hosting and organizing major events and supporting the culture of entrepreneurship. Our annual sponsorship of this glamorous event confirms QNB Group’s commitment to supporting sustainable development efforts towards a knowledge-based economic model focused on sustainability, innovation and diversification, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.”

EAA’s Director of Partnerships, Parintaj Sulaiman, said: “We are pleased for our partner DJWE’s extraordinary support in helping achieve SDG Goal 17 of partnerships for the goals and raising awareness for the barriers children around the world face regarding their fundamental right to quality education; this contribution will go a long way in positively impacting children's lives. We look forward to continuing to work alongside DJWE in the future in advocating for the most marginalised out of school children globally. EAA believes that quality education is the driver of human development. It is fundamental to reducing inequality, promoting well-being and building lasting peace and security. No child should be left without an education. It is only through strong partnerships between governments, organisations, private sector partners and local communities that we will realise the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.”

Mr. Ali Alfardan, Vice Chairman of the Alfardan Group and President, Alfardan Jewellery, said: “Alfardan Jewellery is pleased to have participated in yet another spectacular Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition. Having participated in the exhibition since its inception 19 years ago, this year, we introduced a special collaboration with Tiffany & Co. that combines our passion for our heritage and pearls with their timeless contemporary design, and revealed the esteemed Nancy Ajram as a brand ambassador for Tiffany & Co. Our 60+ international luxury brand partners remain committed to our vision and participated enthusiastically in the exhibition with us once again, with some first-time appearances. We thank our collaborators, staff and the organisers, and we are honoured by the splendid work and display this year’s edition brought forward. We look forward to more success for next year.”

Speaking about Ali Bin Ali Luxury’s participation in the region’s most important Jewellery and watches exhibition, Chief Operating Officer of Ali Bin Ali Luxury Mr. Awn Zureikat said: “DJWE is truly a global platform for luxury brands, and it’s getting bigger every year. Ali Bin Ali Luxury is proud of its long-standing association with this landmark event, and we are glad to be a part of this success story, where creativity, exclusivity, art and beauty are all represented at this exhibition.”

On behalf of Almuftah Jewellery, Mr. AbdulRahman AlMuftah, Chairman of AlMuftah Group said: “I would like to express my gratitude for the successful event of the 19th edition of DJWE 2023. The astonishing six days were full of elegance with an overwhelming number of attendees. We would like to thank the organisers of this marvelous event. We also appreciate each and every one as they were part of this success in the biggest Jewellery exhibition of the year!”

HE Sheikh Nawaf Nasser Bin Khaled Al Thani said: “Amiri Gems is proud to have been part of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition since its inception. Our participation reiterates our commitment towards the national events that contribute to achieving a diversified economy and that support the pillars of the 2030 National Vision. Our participation in this year’s edition of DJWE was a huge success. The Amiri Gems pavilion showcased unique and luxurious pieces from international brands. We will continue to provide the Qatari market with the finest jewels and gems and look forward to the next edition of this exhibition to enhance Qatar’s leading position in this industry in the region.”

On behalf of Bulgari, Stephane Larher, Managing Director MEAI, said: “I would like to express my gratitude and honor to have been a part of this prestigious Doha Jewelry and Watches Exhibition. It has been an incredible experience to be surrounded by so many distinguished industry professionals and enthusiasts, showcasing some of the world's most exceptional High jewellery and watch designs. At Bulgari, we are committed to providing our customers with the finest High Jewellery that reflect the essence of our House, heritage, and craftsmanship. This exhibition has been a perfect platform to share our passion for high jewelry and high-end watches.”

Commenting on the success of the 19th edition of the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition, Mr. Bader Al-Darwish, Chairman and Managing Director of Fifty One East, said: “This year’s edition was particularly exciting following a momentous time in our nation’s when Qatar had the opportunity to showcase its beauty and capabilities to the global audience during FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™. We take this opportunity to extend our thanks and appreciation to the organizers for their continuous hard work, insightful vision and high professionalism.”

“Fifty One East's participation further solidifies our commitment towards this leading event which we’ve been associated with since its early days. We look forward to other successful editions in the coming decades,” he added.

Mr. Jamil bin Mahdi Al-Majed, Vice Chairman of Al-Majed Jewellery, said: “Every year, we celebrate excellence with our customers by showcasing and providing them with the best and exclusive high end Jewllery and watches. We are proud of our collections and are constantly looking closely at everything that simulates the Qatari taste to make sure that we are providing our clientele not only what satisfies their expectations and even exceeds them.”

Mr. Almajed added: “We were honored by the visit of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar. His Highness toured Al Majed Jewellery’s pavilion and viewed some of our latest collections and newest designs of Jewellery and watches and rare gemstones which we presented in this year ‘s edition. DJWE promotes Qatar as a unique destination for major events that celebrate luxury, making it a platform for major international brands to display their innovations. “

Mr. Al-Majed added: “I would also like to extend my appreciation to HE Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior as His Excellency toured the Al Majed Jewellery pavilion.” Mr. Jamil Al-Majed stressed that the past year was exceptionally special, as Qatar hosted the World Cup and achieved an unprecedented success in the history of the tournament.

 

Qatar Airways announces Indian Superstar Deepika Padukone as Global Brand Ambassador

DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways has launched a new brand campaign in collaboration with world-renowned Indian actor, Deepika Padukone. The campaign launch is the culmination of the airline's endeavour to redefine Qatar Airways Premium experience, particularly through showcasing the world-class Qsuite along with the unparalleled surroundings of The Orchard, which are core to Hamad International Airport’s expansion.

The timeless acoustic track ‘Ain’t Nobody’ accompanies the campaign that connects Padukone’s journey with Qatar Airways to a new level of luxury and elegance. She encapsulates the premium experience available to customers of Qatar Airways, transiting through the best airport in the world, Hamad International Airport.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “At Qatar Airways, we constantly strive for excellence. This collaboration brings together refinement and grace, and Deepika showcases beautifully on how Qatar Airways offers award-winning premium experiences both in the sky and on the ground to its customers. Deepika is an obvious choice as she has the right global appeal and charisma for our brand. We are truly delighted to have Deepika on board Qatar Airways as our Global Brand Ambassador.”

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was recently announced as the ‘Airline of the Year’ at the 2022 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax.  The airline continues to be synonymous with excellence having won the main prize for an unprecedented seventh time (2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2022), while also being named ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining’ and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’.

Qatar Airways currently flies to more than 150 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, currently named the ‘Best Airport in the World” by Skytrax World Airport Awards 2022.

Al Attiyah extends desert challenge lead as loeb launches fightback

 

French star thanks Bahrain Raid Xtreme technicians for putting him

on path to recovery in world title race

 

Abu Dhabi, UAE 28^th February, 2023a: Sebastien Loeb put Bahrain Raid Xtreme on the path to recovery in the World Rally-Raid Championship today as arch-rival Nasser Al Attiyah extended his lead in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.

 Loeb and Fabian Lurquin in their BRX Prodrive Hunter were on the verge of an early exit after mechanical problems prevented them from completing Monday’s special stage, and ended their hopes of a first win in the event.

 BRX technicians worked through the night to fit a new engine to the Prodrive Hunter, and Loeb responded by collecting valuable championship points as he followed Al Attiyah’s Toyota home on today’s 365km stage, which looped around Qasr Al Sarab.

 The nine-time World Rally Raid Champion was second quickest on the day to the Qatari, whose second successive desert stage win gave him an overall lead of 18 mins 19 secs from Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi in another Toyota.

 With Martin Prokop taking his Ford Raptor into third spot, Denis Krotov in a Mini, Seth Quintero in a CAN-AM Maverick X3 and the Toyota of Argentinian Juan Yacopini completed the top six.

 Loeb’s misfortune 24 hours earlier brought huge time penalties, and saw him start today’s stage in 11^th position under W2RC regulations.

 But the Frenchman quickly shrugged of the setback and powered his way past a succession of cars starting ahead of him, serving a reminder that he remains firmly in world title contention, with championship rounds to follow in Mexico, Argentina and Morocco.

 “That was better,” said Loeb at the finish. “The first thing is to thank the team for their big effort last night to work on the car until the early hours.

 “We reached the finish in second position today, so we’ve taken some precious points for the championship on a difficult stage, as there was a lot of heat in the car so that was not easy.

 “There are new rules after Dakar that both digital road books need to validate all the waypoints, but one of them didn’t ‘click’ over on one GPS point and yet the other did, so that’s odd and also not our fault.

 “The dunes are different from the Dakar too. It’s really difficult to read them as they are very technical and very short meaning the speed drops right down and that’s the hardest thing to do.”

 Loeb, who recording a record-breaking stage victories in a row in the Dakar Rally after early bad luck, will be aiming for another charge over the next three days, with stages of 266km, 308km and 206km leading to the finish of the Desert Challenge in Abu Dhabi on Friday afternoon.

2023 Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL Season Declared Open in Doha, Qatar

 The 2023 Longines Global Champions Tour and GCL seasons were officially declared open today in Doha as the prestigious circuit gets underway for a 17th season.

Al Shaqab returns as the launchpad for the 2023 season which will see 53 riders from 19 different countries take on the best of the best in Qatar’s capital city from 2 - 4 March. With athletes, Owners, and Managers alike looking to get the all-important head start for the new season, high-stake competitions under the stunning soaring architecture of the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab are sure to thrill all. Today the opening press conference took place setting the scene for a much anticipated weekend of top-level sport.

Last year’s LGCT Grand Prix of Doha winner, Ludger Beerbaum explained: “I have been coming to this event in Doha since day one, and every year I look forward to coming back. It is a really unique venue, all the horses love to come here, it has great facilities that are state of the art. It is just world class and that is the reason why we all love to come back every year. It is simple, it is a great place to come compete.

“You have the best horse, rider combinations here so exciting sport is guaranteed. I would love to repeat what I did last year but it will be tough with the level of competition here."

Marco Danese, GC Sports Director opened the press conference with: “Doha became a tradition in our sport, everyone knows the competitions, and every year we are surprised by the new things that are implemented at the venue for the welfare of the horses like the incredible stables and facilities.

“Everyone in our world knows what Al Shaqab and what Doha and Qatar has done for our sport over the last 15 years. We are proud to be here and to work with the Al Shaqab team. We must thank Omar and his team at Al Shaqab and also all our title sponsors Longines and local sponsors the Commercial Bank, Exxon Mobil and many more who are crucial to making the event a success.”

Omar Al Mannai, Event Director, spoke of hosting the event in Doha for the 15th year saying: "The Longines Global Champions Tour is the best tour currently being organised so this is an added value for every country who may get the opportunity to host it. I put my thanks out to all our partners and the huge appreciation for the trust in the facilities to host one of the best global tours. We are doing our best to expand the equestrian sport.”

The 2023 season sees a new weekend format come into play, designed to benefit the horses, riders and spectators. Marco Danese, Global Champions Sports Director explained the importance of the change: “We changed the format of the competition after many years. The goal of the new schedule is to separate the days of GCL and the LGCT Grand Prix. With both rounds of GCL on the same day the goal is to create more attention and strategy for teams in the league. It is fantastic as it makes it easy for the riders, TV, media and spectators so they can talk about the two highlights on different days."

World-renowned rider Ludger then commented on the new format saying: “I agree with Globals to separate the League and the Grand Prix on different days. It also makes it so easy for the public to understand and follow. Creating two sports highlights which I think is a good idea.”

Show jumping and sporting fans around the world will have access for free to the action remotely via the live broadcast on GCTV throughout the competition. The first round of the GCL team competition will begin at 15:15 (local time) on Friday 3 March, with all 16 teams looking to secure an elusive podium position for the first round of the 2023 season. Saturday will see the highly anticipated Longines Global Champions Tour Grand Prix of Doha kick off at 6pm local time, with riders vying for the win as well as the first golden ticket to the LGCT Super Grand Prix at the GC Prague Playoffs.

Note: Some photographs by Jorge Cunha, official photographer for Global Champions Tour 

History maker: Qatar’s first international dressage rider Wejdan Majed Al-Malki

  History maker: Qatar’s first international dressage rider Wejdan Majed Al-Malki 

Wejdan Majed Al-Malki – skills were on show at Commercial Bank Chi Al Shaqab which concluded last week  - here she explains how she made it to the top against all odds.

At the time when horseback riding for women was thought of as a taboo in the society, my father looked at it differently,” said Al-Malki. “He knew riding horses would teach me a lot of things in life that nothing else would. 

“Handling such a majestic creature as a horse requires patience, self-control, compassion, and discipline –especially in dressage, where the rider and their horse become one, it is like ballet for horse riders.”

Dressage is one of the three Olympic equestrian sports, alongside eventing and showjumping. It involves demonstrating a horse's training by performing a set of prescribed movements in front of a panel of judges.

“And then there is the fitness you acquire from horseback riding. No other sport could make you that fit. It is not until you ride three or four horses a day that you will have the fitness you need to be able to stay competitively active at the Grand Prix level.” 

Having two passions in life – the sea and horses – Al-Malki studied marine biology and spent part of her career life working at Qatar Foundation member Al Shaqab as the equestrian center’s riding academy manager and then its deputy director, and working in the oil and gas industry prior to and thereafter her time at Al Shaqab, at Qatar Petroleum and Qatar Shell respectively.  

“Aside from the social challenges I faced when I decided to pursue horseback riding, following an accident in 2004 I was advised by doctors I should stop riding and jumping due to a knee injury,” she says. “I didn’t even consider that as an option. That’s when my journey with dressage started.

“In 2018, when I decided to take a sabbatical, I crossed paths with two women at different stages of my journey to Grand Prix dressage who believed in me and my passion as a rider, and saw the potential of my raw talent.  They encouraged me to pursue a competitive career in this field and supported me in their own way until I successfully qualified for and competed in the recent five-star CHI Al SHAQAB Presented by Longines 2022 competition. 

“One of these women is Sam Francis, who was the previous owner of my horse Mango Jacaro. She felt a unique connection between me and Jacaro from our very first ride and literally donated her stallion to my cause as she believed we would make it to the Olympics. The other is my current trainer, the Irish Equestrian Olympian Judy Reynolds, who has a profound respect and compassion for these elite sports horses,  which is incredibly hard to find at this highly competitive dressage level.

“Judy’s training went beyond the physical in terms of not just training me to ride my horses better, but also how to clear my mind and have better control of my nerves in the arena. Horses at this level are super-sensitive and respond to the slightest tension from the rider’s body and breathing, so having control over your nerves definitely contributes towards a more successful performance, and achieving better results.

“What these women have in common is their sincerity and faith in another fellow woman who believes the sky is the limit. They provided me with a much-needed leg-up into the international GP dressage scene and helped achieve history for Qatar with this unprecedented entry at this prestigious five-star event.” 

With the support of the Qatar Equestrian Federation and the Qatar Olympic Committee, Al-Malki now aims to compete in the  Asian Games which will be held in China in September, and is also aiming for the 2024 Olympic Games in France.

Looking back at her journey and remembering all the voices that whispered that a Qatari woman would never make it to five-star Grand Prix dressage event, Al-Malki celebrates the International Women’s Day this year with pride.

“If you are a woman and have a dream of becoming a swimmer, or a tennis champion, or even an astronaut, your dream is sound,” she said.

“You will face many challenges; you will be on your own most of the times; you may even have to sacrifice many relationships that are trying to hold you back. But be more excited about your chances of success than your fear of failure.

“All you need is persistence and strength, and you may be lucky enough to find another Sam or Judy, who gave their heart and soul to make another woman reach for the stars and help her dream come true.”

Qatar National Sprint round 3 this Saturday in Lusail Karting track starting at 1 PM

 Qatar National Sprint round 3 this Saturday in Lusail Karting track starting at 1 PM

Al Attiyah grabs lead as Loeb plans fight to the finish in desert challenge

 

Al Attiyah grabs lead as Loeb plans fight to the finish in desert challenge

 

French star sets sights on world championship points

 

Abu Dhabi, UAE 27^th February, 2023: Sebastien Loeb plans a fight to the finish in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge after his hopes of a first victory in the event for Bahrain Raid Xtreme ended in frustration today.

 Loeb and Fabian Lurquin in the BRX Prodrive Hunter were halted by mechanical problems on the rally’s first demanding desert stage and lost their lead in the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) to Nasser Al Attiyah, who was fastest on the day to hold the outright lead in his Toyota.

 A cooling hose problem on the 242-km stage between Al Dhannah city and Qasr Al Sarab forced Loeb to return directly to the bivouac. BRX technicians will spend the night assessing the problem, with the intention that the Prodrive Hunter returns to action tomorrow.

 The nine-time World Rally Champion immediately set his sights on the next four stages and the chance to win valuable points in the race for the W2RC driver and team titles.

 Overall leader and defending world and Desert Challenge champion Al Attiyah won the stage by 6 mins 5 secs from Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al Rajhi, with South African Henk Lategan taking third place in another Toyota.

 Czech Martin Prokop in a Ford Raptor, Argentina’s Juan Yacopini in a Toyota and Denis Krotov at the wheel of a Mini completed the top six

 Guerlain Chicherit, second fastest on yesterday’s Prologue in another Prodrive Hunter and lying third in the W2RC, also dropped from contention when he fell ill on the stage. He managed to complete the tough passage through the dunes, but withdrew from the rally in order to fully recover.