Sharjah Pearls Exhibition Second Edition To Open On 28 January At Expo Centre Sharjah

Sharjah is preparing to host the second Sharjah Pearls Exhibition alongside the seventh Jewels of Emirates Show at Expo Centre Sharjah from 28th January to 1st February. The event focuses on natural pearls, gemstones, and traditional jewellery, while supporting the wider jewellery industry and confirming Sharjah’s role as a key regional and international centre for this sector.

Organised in cooperation with the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), the exhibition targets both economic and cultural goals. It promotes gemstones and jewellery businesses, while also highlighting the UAE’s maritime history and trade traditions. The event supports ongoing efforts to develop sector standards, encourage investment, and increase the global visibility of Sharjah’s jewellery ecosystem.

The Sharjah Pearls Exhibition is organised by Suwaidi Pearls, which is dedicated to reviving the legacy of Emirati pearls. The platform highlights the story of natural pearls and gemstones, linking their cultural and commercial value. It underlines how pearling shaped early economic structures in the UAE and supported coastal communities whose livelihoods depended on the sea.

This year’s edition features a strong heritage programme centred on pearl culture in Sharjah. Visitors will see premium and rare natural pearl pieces, curated to show historical depth and craftsmanship. A dedicated section will present traditional Emirati jewellery reimagined with modern design approaches, drawing attention to both aesthetic qualities and the deeper stories behind each style.

The schedule includes a pearl-crafting workshop that uses traditional tools and methods, giving visitors a direct view of historic practices. Participants can observe each stage, from opening the shell to preparing the pearl. This hands-on activity aims to keep authentic craft skills visible, while explaining the technical knowledge behind older pearling techniques to a broader audience.

A heritage-style Majlis devoted to pearl trading will recreate historic market scenes. The space will display old trading tools and demonstrate classic buying and selling practices. Visitors can learn how merchants assessed natural pearls and can purchase items using methods inspired by the past. The setting also serves as a meeting point for traders, experts, and interested buyers.

Alongside these features, the programme includes curated cultural evenings with practitioners from across the industry. Pearl divers, traders, and gemstone experts will share experiences and discuss changes in the market. A professional storytelling session will spotlight historical narratives around pearl diving and trading, explaining the risks, rewards, and social customs that shaped this maritime economy.

Sharjah Pearls Exhibition economic role and jewellery industry standards

This edition of the Sharjah Pearls Exhibition is held in strategic partnership with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The cooperation is designed to support quality assurance and transparent grading standards for pearls, gemstones, and jewellery. It also aims to enhance professional practices and strengthen the competitiveness of local and regional jewellery markets through recognised testing and certification expertise.

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Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI, remarked that the Sharjah Pearls Exhibition serves as a strategic platform showcasing the economic and cultural significance of natural pearls, which have historically been a key pillar of the UAE economy and have played a fundamental role in shaping the Emirati community’s historical connection to the sea.

Al Owais explained that the event also benefits Emirati creatives and startups. The exhibition allows designers and entrepreneurs to share experiences, exchange knowledge, and build networks. These interactions help protect maritime heritage for future generations through updated business models that balance respect for traditions with new design methods and evolving consumer preferences.

Mona Al Suwaidi, Director of the Executive Office of SCCI’s Chairman and in charge of the Emirati Goldsmiths Platform, stated that the exhibition is not limited to showcasing rare natural pearl pieces, but delivers an integrated cultural and interactive experience. It raises awareness of the historical significance of pearls in the Arabian Gulf while supporting the transfer of this heritage to future generations through innovative approaches that combine knowledge with tradition.

For his part, Abdulla Rashed Al Suwaidi, Founder of Suwaidi Pearls, said that natural pearls are a core element of the UAE’s maritime and economic heritage, having served for decades as a key source of income and trade. Al Suwaidi also noted that the exhibition presents traditional heritage jewellery through updated designs, linking earlier craftsmanship with present-day tastes.

Complementing the cultural agenda, the organisers will run entertainment competitions with prizes to attract wider community participation. These activities are designed to support footfall, encourage learning through engagement, and connect families with the sector. The overall programme integrates culture, heritage, knowledge, and entertainment, positioning the Sharjah Pearls Exhibition as both a business platform and a public educational experience.

With inputs from WAM