Registration now closed after 500 participants confirm attendance

The Dubai Diamond Exchange (‘DDE’), a Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (‘DMCC’) initiative, has announced that registration for the two-day inaugural Dubai Diamond Conference 2013 (‘DDC 2013’) is now closed. The conference has reached its maximum capacity of 500 participants.

Set to be the most significant diamond event of the year, the conference will explore the ‘New Silk Route’ for diamond trade and will take place from 18-19 March at Almas Tower in Jumeirah Lakes Towers; home to the Dubai Diamond Exchange, one of the world’s leading diamond trading platforms.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, said:

“Dubai is preparing for the next phase in its development as an international logistical and luxury hub. It has not only become a peer to the world’s largest and most significant diamond centres, but also a safe, regulated environment for industry participants to trade with confidence.

The Dubai Diamond Conference is a fantastic opportunity for key industry leaders to gather and discuss opportunities to drive growth as we focus on becoming the premier destination for luxury buying in the Middle East and South Asia.”

Suliman Al Othaim, CEO of Suliman Al Othaim Gold & Jewellery Company Ltd., KSA, said:

“As we look to expand our market share in the global diamond industry, we see significant opportunity for growth in our own market. The Middle East’s retail diamond industry has seen a considerable rise in prominence, with the number of retail outlets selling diamond jewellery tripling in recent years. We expect this to continue with increased cooperation between African producers and Middle Eastern retailers.”

Day One of DDC 2013 will feature leading government officials from the Middle East and Africa discussing the New Silk Route for diamond trade. The second day will not only bring together an international panel of bankers to debate the topic ‘Banking in the times of the New Silk Route', but also focus on the trade in luxury goods in the Gulf and Middle East, specifically diamonds and diamond jewellery.

Further details on the Dubai Diamond Conference can be found on www.diamondconference.ae and a video preview of what’s in store is also available, with speakers Hon. Susan Shabangu, Minister of Mineral Resources, Republic of South Africa; Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC; Neil Haddock, Managing Director, Global Diamond Tenders; Dilip Mehta, CEO & Coordinator, Rosy Blue; Chaim Even-Zohar, President, Tacy Ltd; Saurin Parikh, Director, Diarough Middle East, and Peter Meeus, Chairman of the Dubai Diamond Exchange, explaining why DDC 2013 is set to be the most significant industry event of the year.