DMCC Opens Dubai Diamond Conference With New Industry Initiatives
DMCC has opened the seventh Dubai Diamond Conference 2026 in Dubai, bringing together government officials and industry representatives to discuss challenges facing the natural diamond sector and identify opportunities for trade, investment, and consumer demand.
Held under the theme ‘Diamond 2.0: A Strategic Reset – Reigniting Desire, Unlocking New Value,’ the conference featured several announcements, including an education partnership with HRD Antwerp, the unveiling of an 888.88-carat fancy black natural diamond named Infinity, and the launch of the first dedicated retail location for the Dubai Cut diamond.
The event brought together representatives from diamond-producing countries, trading centers, manufacturers, retailers, financial institutions, and technology companies. Discussions focused on consumer demand, industry valuation, financing, and investment opportunities.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, delivered the keynote address, while Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, addressed delegates by video.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said that the UAE had established itself as a global diamond trading hub, connecting production, manufacturing, trade, investment, and retail. He highlighted the importance of adapting to changing consumer preferences, technological developments, and challenges in the natural diamond market.
Al Marri added that the UAE aims to develop an integrated diamond industry ecosystem by expanding trade, increasing value-added activities, encouraging innovation, and maintaining transparency.
DMCC Report
During the conference, DMCC and ORIGINALLUXURY launched The Swiss Parallel, a report examining how the Swiss mechanical watch industry developed its market positioning and consumer appeal.
The report outlines seven strategic measures for the natural diamond sector, covering product differentiation, authentication, industry governance, and investment infrastructure.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC, emphasized that the industry needed coordinated action across the supply chain to restore consumer confidence and develop new sources of value. He also underscored opportunities to improve diamond financing and explore authenticated natural diamonds as a potential investment category.
According to DMCC, Dubai recorded $41.7 billion in diamond trade in 2025, with natural diamonds accounting for 95.8 percent of the total value. The emirate’s natural rough diamond trade reached $21.2 billion.
DMCC and HRD Antwerp partnership
DMCC also announced an education partnership between the Dubai Design Academy and HRD Antwerp to expand professional training for the UAE’s diamond and jewelry industry.
Under the agreement, HRD Antwerp will offer courses in diamond grading, gemmology, jewelry design, and other technical disciplines. Participants who complete the programs will receive diplomas issued by HRD Antwerp.
Paul De Wachter, CEO of HRD Antwerp, mentioned that the partnership would bring the organization’s expertise to professionals in Dubai and support the development of technical skills across the industry.
The initiative forms part of DMCC’s efforts to expand activity in jewelry design, manufacturing, professional services, and industry education alongside diamond trading.
Infinity Diamond and Dubai Cut announcements
The conference also featured the presentation of the Infinity diamond, an 888.88-carat fancy black natural diamond presented by Diamond Trading NV and transported by Brink’s.
The diamond was cut from a 1,138-carat rough stone acquired in 1975 by Andrew Coxon on behalf of De Beers. The Gemological Institute of America examined the rough stone in 2013 and reported that it was the largest single-crystal natural diamond it had examined at the time. The stone was transformed into the finished diamond between 2022 and 2024.
Amit Dhamani, CEO and Managing Director of Dhamani Jewels Group, announced the launch of the Dubai Cut – Dhamani Boutique, described as the world’s first dedicated retail location for the Dubai Cut diamond.
The launch adds a retail component to Dubai’s diamond industry, linking the diamond’s design and provenance with the emirate’s trading and jewelry markets.
The Dubai Diamond Conference forms part of Dubai Diamond Week 2026, which also includes Jewellery, Gem & Technology Dubai (JGTD), scheduled for October 27-29. The second day of the conference will focus on business meetings involving producing countries, investors, financial institutions, and industry representatives.