Qatar Expo CEO, Hadi A Ali (second left) and Executive Assistant Manager of The Ritz Carlton Doha, Belal Al Kadry (third right), along with other sponsors addressing the IWED 2013 press conference at Ritz-Carlton Hotel yesterday. Qassim Rahmatullah
DOHA: Over 15,000 people are expected at the International Wedding Exhibition and Fashion Show Doha (IWED 2013) which will take place at the Doha Exhibition Center from May 16 to 19.
The event will gather 110 companies from Europe, Mena and Qatar, that specialises in all details regarding the special day.
In a press conference yesterday, Qatar Expo CEO, Hadi A Ali, said the sixth edition of IWED 2003, is 95 percent sold out. The event aims to present the latest trends in the wedding and fashion industry, featuring 20 fashion shows.
In a 5,000 sq m area, this year’s edition will introduce, along with the fashion show, the pampered area. This new section will deliver round-the-clock tips and tricks on improving the overall look, with the help of a professional style consultant.
Another first time at IWED 2013 will be the ‘Steps’ young designer award competition for young aspiring designers, which will enable students of well-known universities to establish their mark. The award-winning fashion designer Walid Attalah is the Guest of Honour and main fashion designer for IWED 2013.
“The brand new look is moving IWED forward and putting Doha on the map as a fashion capital of the Middle East. We are continuously increasing our exposure to the rest of the world and are now associated with many renowned international events,” said Ali said. “The summer is the wedding season in the GCC,” he added.
Belal Al Kadry, Executive Assistant Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Doha, which organises numerous weddings, said that the number has increased approximately 35 percent since last year.
“The fast growth on this segment is parallel to the growth in the country itself,” said the executive from Ritz Carlton Doha, the official exclusive hotel for IWED 2013.
On the wedding day, diamonds are a most wanted accessory for all brides. To the point that, in the region, approximately 50 percent of the wedding’s budget can be dedicated to this jewel, said Mohamed Adel Attia, from Matis Unique Sense jewellers. “We also want to educate the bride on how to spend her money and we’ll have some sessions about diamond wearing,” he added.
Other major sponsors are The Weddings and Events Co, M AC, Fadia El Medelek, Studio Photokina, Trinity Qatar, Al Motahajiba, Nara Salon, Walid Atallah, Matis Unique Sense, Al Muftah Rent A Car and Dnata.
The Peninsula
