Jewels of the World Riyadh: Top picks from Bil Arabi to Terzihan and George Hakim

16-05-2025

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. 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. 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. Founded in Istanbul in 1875 and later relocating to Beirut, family-run jeweller George Hakim now also has a boutique in Geneva. The brand is known for its playful approach to gemstones and vibrant use of colour – seen in pieces such as emerald Clio earrings, ruby solitaires from the Fresh Colours range, and the Glam bracelet crafted in malachite, agate, coral and turquoise. 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. 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. 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.

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Qatar welcomes 2.6m visitors in H1 2025 as tourism adds over $15bn to GDP

Arabian Business

2 hours ago

Arabian Business

Qatar welcomes 2.6m visitors in H1 2025 as tourism adds over $15bn to GDP

Qatar's tourism sector continued its strong momentum in the first half of 2025, attracting more than 2.6m international visitors between January and June — a 3 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, according to the latest figures from Qatar Tourism. Visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries made up 36 per cent of arrivals, followed by Europe (26 per cent), Asia and Oceania (22 per cent), and 7 per cent each from the Americas and other Arab countries. Arrivals were split across air (57 per cent), land (33 per cent), and sea (9 per cent), reflecting the success of Qatar's multi-access entry strategy. Qatar tourism boom Hotels achieved an average occupancy rate of 71 per cent, up two percentage points year-on-year, with 5.23m hotel nights sold — a 7 per cent increase from H1 2024. Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Visit Qatar, said the results show the success of the country's strategy to position tourism as a key driver of economic diversification in line with National Vision 2030. In 2024, Qatar's tourism sector contributed QR55bn ($15.1bn) to GDP, representing 8 per cent of the economy — a 14 per cent increase from 2023. This keeps the country on track to meet its Tourism Strategy 2030 target of raising tourism's GDP share to 10–12 per cent. In the first half of 2025, Visit Qatar rolled out multiple international campaigns, including: 'Moments Made for You' summer campaign targeting GCC and global audiences A promotional film with David Beckham showcasing heritage, culture, modern attractions, and natural sites Expanded stopover promotions in key markets such as the UK, USA, South Africa, China, and Australia These campaigns coincided with major events such as the Qatar Toy Festival (More than 130,000 visitors, up 12 per cent year-on-year), Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, International Food Festival, and seasonal attractions like Ras Abrouq and whale shark tours. The second half of the year will see the country host a packed calendar, including: 2025/2026 Cruise Season launch in November — following a record 87 cruise ship calls and more than 360,000 passengers in the last season T100 Triathlon World Championship Finals in Doha FIFA Arab Cup 2025 Grand Prix 2025 Tourism Awards 2025 Launch of Michelin Guide Doha 2026 CEO of Visit Qatar Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi said: 'Our success in the first half of 2025 demonstrates sustained momentum and growing confidence from regional and global markets in Qatar's tourism offerings. 'We have attracted more visitors through a distinctive combination of major events, international campaigns, and innovative tourism products that cater to a wide range of interests. 'We will continue to invest in these areas and introduce initiatives that strengthen Qatar's position as a global destination blending authenticity with modernity, providing residents and visitors with a world-class experience year-round.' With strategic marketing, diversified events, and record-breaking cruise and air arrivals, the GCC nation is positioning itself as a year-round global destination blending authenticity with modernity.

Lufthansa to relaunch Riyadh–Munich route in October 2025, boosting Saudi capacity by 50%

Arabian Business

6 hours ago

Arabian Business

Lufthansa to relaunch Riyadh–Munich route in October 2025, boosting Saudi capacity by 50%

Lufthansa is set to expand its presence in Saudi Arabia by around 50 per cent with the relaunch of its non-stop Riyadh–Munich service from October 27, 2025. The route, last operated in 2017, will connect the Saudi capital directly to the airline's five-star Skytrax-rated Munich hub, enhancing links to Lufthansa's global network. Operating every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, Flight LH641 will depart Riyadh at 6.25 am, arriving in Munich at 10.25 am — offering ideal onward connections to more than 130 destinations across Europe, America, and Asia. Lufthansa boosts Saudi-Germany connectivity The return service will operate on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday, departing Munich at 9.45 pm and arriving in Riyadh at 4.50am the following morning. The service will be operated by the Airbus A350-900, seating 293 passengers across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy Class. Economy return fares will start at SR1,495 ($399). This new connection complements Lufthansa's daily Riyadh–Frankfurt service and boosts total Lufthansa Group flights to Saudi Arabia to 25 per week, including operations by ITA Airways and Eurowings. Across the Middle East, the Lufthansa Group now serves the region more than 120 times weekly. Sadiq Mohamed, General Manager Sales Saudi Arabia at Lufthansa Group Airlines, said: 'Munich is one of the most popular destinations in Western Europe for many of our customers. The airport itself is a relaxing, convenient, and beautiful gateway, whether travellers are connecting onward or visiting the city and its stunning surrounding region, known for its castles and picturesque lakes near the Alps.' The renewed route comes as demand for Riyadh flights grows, supported by Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 agenda, major global events such as Expo 2030 and the FIFA Men's World Cup 2034, and the city's ongoing economic transformation.

Why Our It-Bags Are Getting Mini-er But Mightier

Harpers Bazaar Arabia

9 hours ago

Harpers Bazaar Arabia

Why Our It-Bags Are Getting Mini-er But Mightier

On the streets of Paris, New York, and Dubai, you'll see them tucked under arms like tiny sculptures – beaded, bedazzled, metallic, matte. The point isn't to be useful. The point is to be seen… You're walking through a store, not really looking for anything at all, and then you spot it – a tiny, gleaming bag that couldn't possibly hold anything more than a lipstick and a credit card. It's bold, dramatic, and maybe even a little ridiculous. But for some reason, you can't stop staring. It's the same feeling you had as a child playing dress-up, grabbing the smallest, shiniest bag in the room, not because it made sense, but because it made you feel something. Back then, fashion wasn't about practicality. It was about joy. About imagination. About choosing the most exciting thing, just because. The same energy is back. Only now, it requires an investment purchase. Statement bags are definitely getting smaller and bolder, ditching practicality for pure personality. They aren't meant to carry your whole life, just a moment, a mood. Maybe a lip liner, gloss and some setting spray, at best. And in a world where everything lives on our phones, that's really all we need. So we just want a bag that does something, even if that something is just making us smile. Major maisons have leaned into the fantasy. At Chanel, miniature bags appeared in intricate finishes, worn doubled up, cross body, or even as wristlets; less about function, more about charm. Fendi, never one to shy away from a statement, revived its iconic Baguette in micro-form, dripping in crystals and colour, proving that even the most classic silhouettes can still be reimagined with a wink. On the streets of Paris, New York, and Dubai, you'll see them tucked under arms like tiny sculptures – beaded bedazzled, metallic, matte. The point isn't to be useful. The point is to be seen. Because these days, the bag is the often more impactful than the outfit. In a sea of neutral wardrobes and minimalist silhouettes, a loud and sculptured mini says more than any quiet luxury could. It tells you who someone is before they even speak. Is she polished or kooky? Refined or bold? Minimalist or maximalist? You can read someone's entire vibe from the bag they're carrying, and that's the beauty of it. So if you're wondering whether a tiny impractical pouch is worth it, ask yourself this. When was the last time your tote really made you feel something? Sometimes, the smallest thing in the room might just be the mightiest. In a world obsessed with trends, timelines, and what's next, that little but loud bag could be the most revealing thing you wear.