Jewellery & Watch Show Abu Dhabi 33rd edition opens with over 100 brands

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan inaugurates the annual showcase at ADNEC, where emerging and established designers present luxury collections alongside international exhibitors and the Ebda'a Awards.

The 33rd edition of the Jewellery & Watch Show Abu Dhabi has opened its doors at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, bringing together more than 100 brands from 12 countries across five days of exhibition through 15 November 2026. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, inaugurated the event on 12 November, touring the galleries to meet exhibitors and observe the latest designs in jewellery and watchmaking.

The annual showcase presents a landscape where regional heritage meets contemporary innovation. Local and international brands display gold, diamond and gemstone collections alongside contemporary pieces that draw from the Emirates’ deep jewellery traditions. First-time exhibitors including Lausanne Jewellers, Rora Jewellery, Solitaire Jewels, Kreidy Jewellery, Hasbani Gioielli and Costis Fine Jewelry join returning participants, creating a diverse platform for discovery.

Among the timepieces on display, watch trends for 2026 emerge with particular character: confectionery-inspired pastel dials, green and blue faces, and platinum and diamond-set designs conceived as wearable art. Kratistos watches by Costis present production runs limited to 323 pieces per model, reflecting a philosophy of restraint and intentionality.

The Sustainable Jewellery Gallery recognises exhibitors including Thangals Jewellery, DewCarat Jewellery, Amaar Jewels, The Diamond Garden, Jama Jewels and Gem Experience, each demonstrating how material choices, refined craftsmanship and considered design support a more responsible approach to jewellery creation. This commitment reflects a broader shift within the industry towards conscious luxury.

The Ebda’a Awards, founded by Emirati jewellery artist Azza Al Qubaisi, remain central to the exhibition’s identity. The awards recognise emerging and established designers across nine categories, with two introduced for this edition: Men’s Design and Bridal Design. A series of workshops accompanies the awards programme, led by Al Zahab Al Ahmar Academy, FIA in collaboration with Azza Al Qubaski, Salam Swaid and the International Gemmological Institute.

May Ismail, Event Director of JWS, reflects on the significance of the moment. “For over three decades, the Jewellery & Watch Show Abu Dhabi has showcased the brilliance and craftsmanship that define the global jewellery and watch industry,” she said. “The 2026 edition brings together the UAE’s creative talents along with international brands, offering visitors an opportunity to explore exclusive collections and engage with industry experts.”

As Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak has previously observed during his explorations of contemporary design, the UAE continues to establish itself as a hub where creative expression and luxury converge. The 2026 edition reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position within this emerging landscape, offering both regional designers and international names a platform to present work that honours craft tradition while engaging with contemporary sensibilities.

Source: WAM

What it means for Abu Dhabi

The Jewellery & Watch Show Abu Dhabi represents a significant cultural and commercial fixture in the Emirates’ calendar. With more than 100 brands from 12 countries participating, the exhibition reinforces Abu Dhabi’s role as a destination for luxury creativity and international commerce. The presence of emerging designers alongside established names creates opportunity for the next generation of craftspeople to gain recognition and market access.

The expansion of the Ebda’a Awards to include Men’s Design and Bridal Design categories reflects evolving tastes within the region and globally. The Sustainable Jewellery Gallery signals the industry’s alignment with broader values around responsible luxury production. These developments position Abu Dhabi’s jewellery and watch sector as one responsive to both tradition and contemporary consciousness.

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