JWA Dubai 2022 Unveils Inaugural Recipients, Cementing Middle East’s Rise in Global Jewellery & Gemstone Trade
Dubai, UAE – January 27, 2022 – The glittering landscape of the global jewellery and gemstone industry turned its spotlight on Dubai today, as JWA Dubai 2022, the much-anticipated regional offshoot of the internationally renowned Jewellery World Awards, proudly announced the recipients of its inaugural edition. This pivotal announcement marks a significant milestone, concluding the first-ever business awards program dedicated solely to celebrating the exemplary achievements of individuals and companies within the rapidly expanding Middle Eastern jewellery and gemstone trade. The initiative underscores Dubai’s growing prominence as a vital hub for luxury, innovation, and trade in the global market, providing a dedicated platform to honor the visionaries and leaders shaping the region’s vibrant industry.
A Testament to Resilience and Vision: Voices from the Industry
The launch of JWA Dubai has been met with enthusiastic praise from key figures across the industry, highlighting the strategic importance of recognizing excellence in a dynamic market. Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC, and Chairman of the Dubai Diamond Exchange – a principal judge for JWA Dubai – expressed his profound satisfaction with the program’s successful debut. “It is my honour to be part of the successful launch of JWA Dubai — an awards programme that recognises the achievements of the jewellery industry in Middle East and celebrates its status as an important market in the global trade,” stated Bin Sulayem. He further emphasized the extraordinary resilience demonstrated by the award recipients, particularly in navigating the unprecedented challenges posed by the recent global pandemic. Their unwavering commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and business continuity has not only ensured their own success but also contributed significantly to the region’s robust economic recovery and sustained growth in the luxury sector.
Echoing this sentiment, Nirupa Bhatt, a distinguished Business Coach and Strategic Advisor to the gems and jewellery industry and another principal judge for JWA Dubai, shared her admiration for the honorees. “The awards programme effectively recognises the vision, hard work and impressive understanding of these outstanding businesses and individuals in the region, which is also regarded as the second largest market for gems and jewellery in the world,” Bhatt remarked. She elaborated on the critical role these entities play in driving forward the industry with their innovative approaches, deep market insights, and dedication to craftsmanship. Bhatt also expressed her optimism for the future, looking forward to seeing even greater participation from emerging jewellers, cutting-edge designers, and ambitious young entrepreneurs in subsequent editions, reinforcing the program’s role in fostering future talent and leadership.
Celebrating Excellence: The Inaugural JWA Dubai Recipients
The selection process for JWA Dubai 2022 was rigorous, reflecting the high standards of the Jewellery World Awards globally. A panel of esteemed judges carefully evaluated nominees across various categories, seeking out those who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact on the Middle Eastern jewellery and gemstone landscape. The five distinguished recipients, celebrated across four pivotal categories, represent the pinnacle of regional excellence:
- Lifetime Achievement Award
This prestigious award recognizes an individual whose indelible contributions have profoundly shaped the Middle East’s jewellery industry over decades. Their visionary leadership, unwavering dedication, and significant influence have left a lasting legacy, inspiring countless others. The inaugural recipient is:
Tawhid Abdullah - Brand of the Year – Retail
This category honors a retail brand that has consistently demonstrated outstanding market performance, exceptional customer engagement, and innovative retail strategies, setting new benchmarks for the consumer experience in the luxury jewellery sector. The recipient, acclaimed for its powerful brand presence and customer loyalty in the UAE, is:
Malabar Gold & Diamonds – UAE - Outstanding Enterprise of the Year
This award celebrates businesses that have shown remarkable growth, strategic foresight, and operational excellence, making substantial contributions to the regional and international jewellery trade. The two enterprises recognized for their comprehensive impact and innovative business models are:
Devji Aurum – Bahrain
Joyalukkas Jewellery LLC – UAE - Young Entrepreneur of the Year (age 40 and below)
Dedicated to fostering the next generation of industry leaders, this award recognizes a young individual who has demonstrated exceptional entrepreneurial spirit, innovative business acumen, and significant achievements at an early stage of their career, bringing fresh perspectives and dynamic energy to the sector. The recipient is:
Chirag Vora, Bafleh Jewellery LLC – UAE
Letitia Chow, Chairperson & Founder of JWA at Informa Markets Jewellery, expressed immense satisfaction with the caliber of the first-time entrants and recipients. “We are thrilled to have such top-quality entrants and respectable companies as Recipients to mark the launch of JWA Dubai, the Middle East edition of the international JWA award event,” Chow commented. She articulated the vision for JWA Dubai to transcend mere recognition, aiming instead to serve as a catalyst for continuous improvement within the industry. “We hope that the programme can continue to enhance and promote innovation, best business practices and outstanding leadership for the industry in this part of the world,” she added, emphasizing the program’s commitment to elevating standards and encouraging sustainable growth across the Middle East’s vibrant jewellery and gemstone trade.
The Power Behind the Prestige: Organizers, Partners, and Sponsors
JWA Dubai 2022 is meticulously organized by JGT Dubai (Jewellery Gem Technology Dubai), a powerhouse joint venture between Informa Markets Jewellery (IMJ) and the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG). Informa Markets Jewellery stands as the world’s largest organizer of B2B jewellery fairs, bringing unparalleled global reach and industry expertise, while the Italian Exhibition Group contributes its rich legacy of organizing high-profile international trade shows. This strategic alliance ensures that JWA Dubai benefits from world-class organizational acumen and a deep understanding of the global jewellery market dynamics.
The success of JWA Dubai is further bolstered by the robust support of its Official Partner, DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre). DMCC, a leading government authority on trade, enterprise, and commodities in Dubai, plays a crucial role in fostering a conducive business environment, particularly for the diamond and precious metals sector. Its partnership highlights Dubai’s commitment to nurturing and expanding its role as a global commodities hub. Additionally, the awards program benefits from the generous backing of its esteemed Title Sponsors: Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, one of the world’s largest and most respected jewellery retailers, and Jawhara Jewellery, a prominent and rapidly growing jewellery brand in the Middle East. Their combined support not only lends significant credibility but also amplifies the reach and impact of the JWA Dubai platform. The recipients of these prestigious awards are scheduled to be formally celebrated at an exclusive awards ceremony and gala dinner, set to take place on Monday, February 21, 2022, as part of the broader JGT Dubai event.
JGT Dubai: A Global Gateway for Jewellery & Gem Technology
The excitement surrounding JWA Dubai is intrinsically linked to the inaugural edition of Jewellery, Gem & Technology Dubai (JGT Dubai), a landmark event poised to redefine the industry landscape. Taking place from February 22 to 24, 2022, at the iconic Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), JGT Dubai emerged as the industry’s first major international in-person B2B event of the year. This timing was particularly crucial, providing a much-needed platform for face-to-face networking and business generation after a period of virtual interactions. Jointly organized by Informa Markets Jewellery and the Italian Exhibition Group, JGT Dubai has garnered widespread industry support, reflecting its strategic importance and comprehensive appeal.
Key partners endorsing the event include the official partner, DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre), whose involvement underscores Dubai’s strategic interest in facilitating trade and innovation. Industry partner, the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group, a leading trade body for the region’s gold and jewellery sector, provides invaluable local insight and connections. Furthermore, numerous trade associations encompassing virtually every aspect of the sector have thrown their weight behind JGT Dubai, ensuring a comprehensive representation of industry interests and expertise. This three-day fair serves as an unparalleled global meeting point, bringing together a diverse array of suppliers from key sourcing destinations such as Belgium, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Israel, Turkey, and the UAE, all under one roof. This rich congregation of talent and resources is designed to cater to the immediate and future buying needs of retailers, wholesalers, and prominent brands worldwide, facilitating crucial business transactions and fostering new collaborations. With trade buyer registration already commenced, JGT Dubai is set to become a vital annual fixture, solidifying Dubai’s position at the forefront of the global jewellery and gemstone trade network and driving forward the industry’ into a new era of connectivity and growth.