JEDDAH, 31 July – The world’s heaviest gold ring, which recently got its certification from the Guinness Book of World Records, was the center of attraction at the concluding ceremony of the six-weeklong Gold 22 Festival at Al-Najjar International Market here last night.
A woman, identified only as Ba Ali, won the grand prize of a kilo of gold at the final draw held to mark the campaign held as part of the Jeddah summer festival. The World Gold Council supported the campaign to promote gold sales in this part of the world.
Maqbool Al-Najjar presented the kilo of gold to the winner. There were also half kilo and quarter kilo gold and several gold coins to be taken away. Children in the presence of a large gathering picked the winners. The ceremony turned noisy at times as the organizers put questions to the public and elicited answers on the spot to win 8 gram gold coins and discount vouchers.
Jameel Muhammad Ali Farsi, head of the gold and jewelry committee of Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), said the festival was “very successful” as it enabled traders to highlight the significant role Jeddah played in the gold industry not only in the Kingdom but also in and outside the Gulf. “The success was achieved because of the excellent cooperation of traders, who gave their own discounts together with the special festival offers. The gold and jewelry committee adopted a new strategy not only in terms of prices but also in offering training through scholarships for Saudi secondary graduates. “These scholarships will help them find jobs,” he added.
He referred to the keen and active interest evinced by JCCI secretary-general Dr. Majed Al-Qasabi in the successful end of the gold festival. The Jeddah 22 Festival is also nearing its end.
A number of JCCI officials, jewelers and gold merchants were present echoing the general feeling that there had been a 70 percent increase in gold sales during the festival period.
Ali Battarfi, also of the committee, announced five scholarships for students interested in pursuing training in gold trade and jewelry at the JCCI training center. Each scholarship is worth SR3,000.
