The Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ports, Customs, and Free Zones Authority, inaugurated the seventh edition of the UAE Jewels Exhibition 2026 yesterday. The event is organized by the Sharjah Expo Center with support from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and will run until February 1, featuring over 180 jewelry manufacturers and more than 500 local and international brands specializing in gold, silver, diamonds, and precious stones.
Sheikh Khalid noted that the UAE Jewels Exhibition reflects Sharjah’s growing position as a leading regional hub for the gold and jewelry industry. He emphasized the emirate’s success in creating an environment that fosters innovation, supports entrepreneurs, and preserves the rich Emirati heritage. He remarked that ongoing support for specialized exhibitions attracts major global brands and opens new avenues for Emirati designers to showcase their creativity, enhancing their presence in both local and international markets. He praised the exhibition for attracting numerous new exhibitors and renowned local jewelry brands, highlighting its significance for local companies seeking to promote their products and expand their business.
Abdullah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated that the UAE Jewels Exhibition serves as a strategic platform that reinforces Sharjah’s status as a leading regional center for the gold and jewelry trade. He pointed out that the chamber places special emphasis on supporting quality initiatives associated with the exhibition, including the “UAE Jewelry Designers” platform, which acts as a vital incubator for empowering Emirati designers and connecting them with local and global markets. Additionally, the “Pearls of Sharjah” exhibition demonstrates the chamber’s commitment to preserving the Emirati maritime heritage and supporting the natural pearl and gemstone sectors.
Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Sharjah Expo Center, conveyed that the UAE is at the forefront of global growth in the jewelry industry, driven by a solid culture of appreciation for precious stones and a young generation in search of innovative and unique designs. He emphasized the exhibition’s importance in continuing efforts to support the gold industry locally, noting the significant participation of renowned local brands and a select group of Emirati entrepreneurs involved in gold and jewelry trade.
A Rare Pearl
Meanwhile, Abdullah Rashid Al Suwaidi, a diver and pearl trader, unveiled the largest Gulf pearl at the UAE Jewels Exhibition, valued at approximately one million dollars and weighing 40 carats.
This rare pearl stands out due to its large size, exceptional weight, and its unique white color with a hint of pink, which is both rare and highly valued.
Al Suwaidi explained that such pearls are extremely limited worldwide, with most originating from the Arabian Gulf. He highlighted that selling them is challenging due to their high historical and symbolic value, serving as a testament to the rich Gulf heritage in the pearl trade.
He further noted that natural pearls are considered a stable long-term investment, as they are not affected by currency fluctuations or global political and economic climates like gold. The value of natural pearls does not diminish over time but rather increases gradually due to their rarity and reliance on pure natural factors.
Additionally, Al Suwaidi mentioned that G1 natural pearls with large sizes and rare colors can appreciate in value by up to 100% annually, driven by their scarcity and the emergence of new markets. In contrast, the value of ordinary “fabric” pearls rises by about 10% each year and may double in value over a decade, making it a safe haven for value preservation, especially during inflationary periods.
He also shared that last year, the exhibition featured one kilogram of natural pearls, while this year, the quantity has been doubled to two kilograms, with plans to reach four kilograms in the coming years.