DMCC’s the Middle East Gems and Jewellery Forum unfolds

DMCC officially launched the Middle East Gems and Jewellery Forum (‘MEGJF’) on November 9, inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation, CEO and Chairman of The Emirates Group and Chairman of Dubai World. The event unfolded at the DMCC headquarters in Almas Tower, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, with global industry leaders, experts and media in attendance.

During his welcome address to a full house of delegates Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC, hailed the strong synergies between the jewellery industry and the UAE’s heritage, trade story and rapid evolution with focus on pearls, gold, diamond and coloured stones. He also spoke of the importance of strong collaboration between industry participants including traders, regulators, banks and jewellers to foster further industry growth in the region and beyond.

“As the UAE has the highest per capita gold jewellery consumption in the world and Dubai is ranking among the world’s top three trading hubs for gold, diamonds and gemstones, it is fitting that DMCC is now organising the first Middle East Gems and Jewellery Forum (MEGJF) here in Dubai. This is only the beginning, we are going to ensure traders and consumers alike benefit from the leading jewellery hub Dubai is becoming. This is why DMCC is proud to be part of a strategic partnership with Fiera di Vicenza and Dubai World Trade Centre that will bring 'Vincenzaoro Dubai', a four-day jewellery show, to the Emirate in April 2015", concluded Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC.

The key themes during the conference included the current trends and consumer preference in the gemstone market, potential future dynamics and opportunities for the Middle East jewellery market, and sources of regional inspiration for jewellery designs. A number of panel debates, speeches from Robert Wan, Founder Robert Wan Group, Alex Popov, Board Chairman, World Diamond Mark, debates among the 250 delegates brought vigour and interest to the event. Matteo Marzotto, President of Fiera di Vicenza, announced the inaugural ‘Vincenzaoro Dubai’ where DMCC is a strategic partner. The MEGJF 2014 welcomed exhibitors Arabian Pearls, DMCC Gold Bullion Coins, Gemfields, Gemological Institute of America, International Gemological Institute DMCC, SGL, Shrenuj and Vicenzaoro Dubai; and partners including title sponsor Gemfields, key sponsors GIA, and Vicenzaoro Dubai. Supporting sponsors Dhamani and Robert Wan; and supporting partners Luxury Marketing Council, Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group and World Diamond Mark also attended.

Ian Harebottle, CEO of Gemfields, who shared his industry knowledge on gemstones with the participants commented: “I am 100 percent confident that events like the MEGJF gives the market a positive momentum and helps the industry scale new highs.” The MEGJF concluded with a glittering gala dinner at the Ritz-Carlton Dubai Hotel.