Watch and jewellery show to feature thousands of new designs for the summer season More than 350 exhibitors showcasing over 500 brands have confirmed their participation for the 24th MidEast Watch and Jewellery Show that will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from April 15 to 19, 2008. The biannual international exhibition is considered as the most popular watch and jewellery event in the whole region. A major highlight of the show will be the imposing presence of country pavilions from Hong Kong - China, India, Italy, Thailand, Tanzania and Singapore. 'The 24th MidEast Watch and Jewellery Show is much bigger and better in terms of the number of exhibitors, space occupied and the items on display,' said Mr Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General of Expo Centre Sharjah. 'Our endeavour is to make every edition of the show distinctive and exclusive by bringing together well-known jewellers and designers from every part of the world to present their best collection and works for the season,' Mr Midfa said. 'The master jewellers reputed for their quality and designs will occupy a total exhibition area of 12,000 sq. m. for the show,' he added. Among country pavilions, Hong Kong will have the biggest participation at the show, with 69 exhibitors displaying their latest designs in gold, diamond, gems and other precious metals. The second biggest country pavilion will be India, with 23 exhibitors, showcasing the season's most exquisite and intricately crafted jewellery creations, both traditional and contemporary. The Italian pavilion, is double in size from the last edition and is featuring new and unique designer jewellery, comes third with 18 exhibitors. Exhibitors are also taking part from other countries such as Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Turkey and the UAE. Among these countries, Lebanon will have the biggest participation with 29 exhibitors. Meanwhile, a large number of new exhibitors will be coming from India, Italy, Brazil, Japan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE for the show. Displays will include gold, diamond, pearl, silver jewellery and sets, gems, precious stones, loose pearls, pearl sets, crystals, watches, timepieces, clocks, and jewellery items. 'Among these products, visitors can expect several items that are being introduced for the first time in the region and some even for the first time in the world. There will also be signature items targeting the affluent from the region,' added Mr Midfa. Special attractions in the form of raffle draws, fabulous prizes and gifts are plenty at the show. On every purchase of Dhs500, visitors will have the chance to qualify for a daily raffle draw, where gold bars will be given away to lucky buyers on the last day of the show. The Hong Kong pavilion will also be offering valuable prizes. The 24th MidEast Watch and Jewellery Show is open for traders and general visitors. Entry is free. On April 15, 17, and 19 the show will be open from 10am to 10pm, while on April 16 and 18, the visiting hours are 4pm to 10pm. The show will be open exclusively to ladies on April 17 and 19 from 10am to 2pm.