Jewels of the World, Saudi Arabia's biggest watch and jewellery show, is returning to Riyadh for a second time.
The event positions itself as the perfect opportunity for “brand recognition, market expansion and direct access to Saudi Arabia's most discerning buyers”, according to its website.
With Saudi Arabia's personal luxury market forecasted to grow from $3.4 billion in 2023 to $6.7 billion in 2030 according to a recent report by Boston Consulting Group, it's no wonder independent brands are looking for a foothold in the kingdom.
Running from May 16 to 19 at Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah hotel, the show will feature nearly 70 watch and jewellery brands.
If you're heading to the event, the number of exhibitors might feel overwhelming. Here we highlight brands that have piqued our interest, from Dubai's Bil Arabi, founded by Lebanese entrepreneur Nadine Kanso, to Turkish brand Terzihan.
Bil Arabi
Launched in 2006, Bil Arabi crafts pieces in 18k gold with diamonds and other precious stones. Its designs are inspired by the sweeping lines of Arabic calligraphy.
Each piece, from rings, necklaces, cuffs and more, is bold and audacious, and made for who Kanso describes as the “outspoken generation”.
Rooted in Arab heritage, each piece appears as a love letter to the region's rich and complex cultures.
Terzihan
Also taking part is Terzihan, which utilises traditional Turkish know-how to create pieces that are painstakingly assembled from multiple elements.
Its Aurora collection, for example, is inspired by the night sky and features 18k gold scattered with white diamonds that represent stars. The Cairo collection, meanwhile, takes its cues from the pyramids, through four-sided gold studs, pave diamonds, and slices of malachite, white agate and turquoise.
Complex and sophisticated, the brand's jewellery has been spotted on the likes of Zoe Saldana, Jenna Ortega and Angela Bassett. Most recently, Janelle Monae wore a Terzihan ring to the 2025 Met Gala.
George Hakim
Founded in Istanbul in 1875 and later relocating to Beirut, family-run jeweller George Hakim now also has a boutique in Geneva.
The Bloom collection channels floral inspiration through spirals of diamonds, while the Kai collection lends a regal feel with marquise-cut coloured stones. The house also offers a bridal and engagement line, with haute joaillerie specialists available for those seeking something bespoke.
Dani by Daniel K
With offices in New York, Dubai, Riyadh, London and Moscow, Dani by Daniel K is a fitting addition to the Jewels of the World exhibition.
Specialising in laboratory-grown stones set in gold-plated sterling silver or gold, the brand delivers diamonds at accessible prices.
Promising “New York craftsmanship in every detail”, its offerings span classic tennis bracelets, stud earrings in emerald, oval, square or pear cuts, heart-shaped pendants in a range of colours, and necklaces including a refined 16-inch wedding choker and a five-strand, opera-length statement piece.
Solitaire Jewels
Founded in New York in 1976, Solitaire Jewels also operates boutiques in Dubai and Kuwait. Known for bespoke diamond creations, it also offers a wide selection of ready-made jewellery.
Working exclusively with GIA-certified mined diamonds set in white, rose or yellow gold, the brand favours a clean and classic aesthetic that lets the stones shine.
Far from old-fashioned, however, the brand maintains a modern edge – its website is user-friendly, with a dedicated section for pieces under Dh3,000, plus styling tips on stacking items such as choker-length diamond necklaces for a touch of contemporary chic.
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
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Results
ATP Dubai Championships on Monday (x indicates seed):
First round
Roger Federer (SUI x2) bt Philipp Kohlschreiber (GER) 6-4, 3-6, 6-1
Fernando Verdasco (ESP) bt Thomas Fabbiano (ITA) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2
Marton Fucsovics (HUN) bt Damir Dzumhur (BIH) 6-1, 7-6 (7/5)
Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) bt Karen Khachanov (RUS x4) 6-4, 6-1
Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) bt Milos Raonic (CAN x7) 6-4, 5-7, 6-4
Race card
6.30pm: Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Dirt) 1,200m
7.05pm: Meydan Cup – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (Turf) 2,810m
7.40pm: UAE 2000 Guineas – Group 3 (TB) $125,000 (D) 1,600m
8.15pm: Firebreak Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $130,000 (D) 1,600m
9.50pm: Meydan Classic – Conditions (TB) $$50,000 (T) 1,400m
9.25pm: Dubai Sprint – Listed Handicap (TB) $88,000 (T) 1,200m
The five pillars of Islam
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The Saga Continues
Wu-Tang Clan
(36 Chambers / Entertainment One)
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The Sky Is Pink
Director: Shonali Bose
Cast: Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Farhan Akhtar, Zaira Wasim, Rohit Saraf
Three stars
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Western Region Asia Cup T20 Qualifier
Sun Feb 23 – Thu Feb 27, Al Amerat, Oman
The two finalists advance to the Asia qualifier in Malaysia in August
Group A
Bahrain, Maldives, Oman, Qatar
Group B
UAE, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Ferrari
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More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
SPECS
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Essentials
The flights
Whether you trek after mountain gorillas in Rwanda, Uganda or the Congo, the most convenient international airport is in Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali. There are direct flights from Dubai a couple of days a week with RwandAir. Otherwise, an indirect route is available via Nairobi with Kenya Airways. Flydubai flies to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo, via Entebbe in Uganda. Expect to pay from US$350 (Dh1,286) return, including taxes.
The tours
Superb ape-watching tours that take in all three gorilla countries mentioned above are run by Natural World Safaris. In September, the company will be operating a unique Ugandan ape safari guided by well-known primatologist Ben Garrod.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, local operator Kivu Travel can organise pretty much any kind of safari throughout the Virunga National Park and elsewhere in eastern Congo.
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The specs: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ
Price, base: Dh1,731,672
Engine: 6.5-litre V12
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 770hp @ 8,500rpm
Torque: 720Nm @ 6,750rpm
Fuel economy: 19.6L / 100km
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Mamo Year it started: 2019 Founders: Imad Gharazeddine, Asim Janjua Based: Dubai, UAE Number of employees: 28 Sector: Financial services Investment: $9.5m Funding stage: Pre-Series A Investors: Global Ventures, GFC, 4DX Ventures, AlRajhi Partners, Olive Tree Capital, and prominent Silicon Valley investors. Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
DIVINE%20INTERVENTOIN
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David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
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F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
In Full Flight: A Story of Africa and Atonement
John Heminway, Knopff
