Company Announcement - Over 250 delegates attended event 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- UAE number one jewellery consuming

DMCC, Dubai’s and the region’s global gateway for commodity trade and enterprise officially launched the Middle East Gems and Jewellery Forum (‘MEGJF’) this morning. The event was 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, held 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. Mr Bin Sulayem also stressed the importance of strong collaboration between industry participants ranging from traders to regulators, banks and jewellers to foster further industry growth in the region and beyond – one of the key purposes of hosting the MEGJF.

“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 here in Dubai.
“In an ever-changing economy, it is key that we learn more about what the future holds for the industry here at the MEGJF and we hope the event will lead to new partnerships being formed and ultimately future growth to the benefit of the entire jewellery trade.

“This is only the beginning, we are going to ensure traders and consumers alike benefit from the leading jewellery hub Dubai is becoming. That 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 running through 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 focused on themes such as ‘The Middle East jewellery market today: what factors drive growth?’, ‘Gemstones: Identifying new markets’ and ‘Jewellery design and inspirations in the Middle East’ and ‘The success of the jewellery market in Turkey’.  Ian Harebottle, CEO of Gemfields, who shared his deep industry knowledge on gemstones with the participants commented: “It gives me great pride to attend and sponsor this event. I have always believed in the power of partnerships, especially so when two or more parties come together with such a clear degree of passion, commitment and focus. I am 100% confident that events like the MEGJF gives the market a positive momentum and helps the industry scale new highs.”

Inspiring speeches from Robert Wan, Founder Robert Wan Group, on the topic of ‘The case for pearls, heritage and the future prospects’ and Alex Popov, Board Chairman, World Diamond Mark, ‘Diamonds share of today’s luxury spending’, sparked further debate among the 250 delegates representing all aspects of the jewellery industry. Matteo Marzotto, President of Fiera di Vicenza, also took the opportunity to announce the inaugural ‘Vincenzaoro Dubai’ where DMCC is a strategic partner. The four day jewellery show is to be hosted in Dubai, 23-26 April 2015, organised by Fiera di Vicenza SpA, the organiser one of the world’s largest and most-respected jewellery event portfolios and Dubai World Trade Centre. 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, the world's leading producer of ethically-sourced rare coloured gemstones; key sponsors GIA, considered the world’s foremost authority in gemmology, and Vicenzaoro Dubai, the definitive global jewellery show.

Supporting sponsors Dhamani and Robert Wan; and supporting partners Luxury Marketing Council, Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group and World Diamond Mark were also in attendance. Media partners included: The New Jeweller, Al Bayan, City 7 TV, Zahrat Al Khaleej, Diamond World and Jewellery News Asia. The MEGJF concluded with a glittering gala dinner at the Ritz-Carlton Dubai Hotel.