2nd MEGJF underlines Dubai’s growth in the gems and jewellery marketplace

The second edition of Middle East Gems & Jewellery Forum (‘MEGJF’) 2015 hosted this week by DMCC, was an opportunity to network with all industry participants – over 35 industry leaders and over 150 delegates participated along with artisans and designers from across the globe. Brands like Damas, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Dhamani and Fabergé too participated. MEGJF is designed to give industry participants a 360 degree view of the future of the Gems and Jewellery trade in the Middle East. It was a two-day event held at Almas Conference Centre in Jumeirah Lakes Towers.

Commenting on the event and the future of Dubai as a global gems & jewellery hub, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC, said: “Dubai’s non-oil foreign trade during the first half of 2015 reached AED 652 billion; the UAE jewellery industry is one of the top 5 contributors to the UAE economy; the UAE is perfectly positioned at the centre of the world for trade between India and China, the largest markets on earth for gems and jewellery - all key factors that will enable the region to sustain and grow its prominence as a global hub for the gems and jewellery trade.” He highlighted what next to expect by saying, “Looking to the future, this year’s MEGJF themes focus on how new technologies are revolutionising the industry - themes designed to spark debate and unlock opportunities in the Middle East marketplace.”

The Middle East region plays a complimentary role to the largest gems and jewellery markets in China and India, where the growth of the jewellery sector is encouraging companies to develop cross-trade relationships. Jewellery traders and fabricators in Dubai are also seeking to serve new markets coming out of Africa.

Anan Fakhreddin, CEO, Damas and MEGJF title sponsor, said: “The Middle East has rapidly positioned itself as a vital meeting point for the gems and jewellery industry due to its unrivalled connectivity, consumer demand and appetite for future growth.”

MEGJF also included panel discussions and presentations by government officials, industry experts, jewellers and designers on the topics of access to finance, responsible sourcing and quality control; the importance of brand strategies and the Middle East jewellery retail sector, the global gold market outlook, developments in patents and copyrights, and the export of jewellery manufactured in Dubai.

Corrado Facco Managing Director of Fiera di Vicenza & Vice President of DV Global Link (VICENZAORO DUBAI), said: “Events like these create new opportunities among international manufacturers, local importers and new markets through Dubai which has rapidly grown to become one of the world’s leading gems and jewellery hubs.”

The MEGJF 2015 sponsors and partners include: Title sponsor Damas, Malabar Gold, Dhamani, Brinks and VICENZAORO DUBAI 2016.