Sharjah is shimmering this week as the 56th Watch and Jewellery Middle East Show opens its doors, and nothing is drawing more gasps than the Guinness World Record-winning “Dubai Dress,” a 10.0812kg creation of pure 21-karat gold worth AED 4.6 million.

A record-breaking showstopper

At the centre of attention this year is Al Romaizan Gold and Jewellery’s jaw-dropping creation, the “Dubai Dress,” officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the heaviest and most valuable gold dress in the world. Weighing 10.0812 kilograms, the piece is a four-part ensemble featuring:

Made entirely of 21-karat gold, the dress carries a price tag of AED 4.6 million and embodies months of meticulous craftsmanship. The brand, which has a history of turning heads, previously displayed a Dh1.5 million gold bicycle at earlier editions of the show.

A global jewellery showcase

The five-day exhibition, running at Expo Centre Sharjah, is the region’s largest gold and jewellery trade event. Organised by Expo Sharjah with support from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), it gathers over 500 local and international exhibitors and more than 1,800 designers, manufacturers, and industry professionals from around the world.This year’s edition has a truly global flavour, with 68% of exhibitors flying in from outside the UAE. The show floor features renowned names and master jewellers from Italy, India, Türkiye, the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, Japan, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia, alongside first-time participants from Australia, Myanmar, and Pakistan, marking a fresh wave of international representation. Regional presence remains strong too, with leading exhibitors from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Lebanon, reinforcing the show’s status as a key hub for the gold and jewellery industry.

The event was inaugurated by H.E. Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman of SCCI and Expo Centre Sharjah, joined by H.E. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, CEO of Expo Centre Sharjah, along with senior officials, diplomatic representatives, and top figures from the gold and jewellery trade. Guests toured the 30,000 square metre exhibition area, stopping at stands of Al Romaizan Gold and Jewellery (diamond sponsor) and Salem Al Shueibi Jewellery (platinum sponsor) to see their latest designs and innovations. They also visited the “Emirati Goldsmiths” Platform, where homegrown designers are showcasing heritage-inspired collections that blend modern artistry with cultural authenticity.

Experiences beyond the showcase

Beyond the dazzling displays, the show offers workshops, live demonstrations, and interactive competitions that allow visitors to learn about global jewellery design trends and cutting-edge techniques. To keep the excitement high, this year’s edition features grand prize draws, including an Audi A3 car and luxury gold and diamond sets, with winners to be announced at the close of the exhibition. The exhibition is open to the public with free entry, from 1:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, and 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Friday, making it an accessible experience for jewellery enthusiasts across the region.