The 21st annual exhibition “Jewellery Arabia 2012” will be officially opened at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre Tuesday (Oct. 16).

Over 550 companies from 30 nations will be in attendance, spanning a total floor area of 16,500 square meters. Collectively, they form the largest display of precious gems, finished jewelry and luxury watches in the Middle East.

A visitor volume of 70,000 is expected at this edition of Jewellery Arabia, which was inaugurated by its patron, HRH the Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, said Fawzi Al Shehabi, Director of Sales and Marketing, Arabian Exhibition Management.According to the organizers, Arabian Exhibition Management, the show this year has attracted over 550 exhibitors from over 30 nations. The exhibition which will close on October 20, occupies a floor space of 16,300 square metres spread over the entire Bahrain International Exhibition and Conference Centre.

Eminent jewelry houses and watch manufacturers making a return appearance at Jewellery Arabia 2012 include Chopard, David Morris, Gaspari, Harry Winston, Piaget and Staurino Fratelli among numerous others. Mellerio dits Meller is set to exhibit in the Middle East for the first time at Jewellery Arabia 2012.

Many of these high profile international jewelry and watch brands will use the exhibition as a platform to introduce exclusive collections and limited edition pieces to the Mideast collector’s market.