Dubai has brought some of the world’s most influential diamond industry figures together as the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) hosted the seventh Dubai Diamond Conference on 26 October 2026, opening discussions on how the natural diamond market can rebuild demand, attract investment and respond to changing consumer expectations.
The gathering formed part of Dubai Diamond Week 2026, bringing government representatives, diamond producers, manufacturers, traders, retailers and financial institutions into the same conversation.
Several major announcements accompanied the event. DMCC introduced a professional education partnership with HRD Antwerp, showcased an extraordinary 888.88-carat natural black diamond and welcomed the launch of the world’s first dedicated Dubai Cut boutique.
The conference also arrived at a significant moment for Dubai’s diamond economy. The emirate recorded a historic USD 41.7 billion in diamond trade during 2025, strengthening its position as a major international trading centre.
Dubai Diamond Conference 2026 Calls for a Reset of the Natural Diamond Market
Under the theme Diamond 2.0: A Strategic Reset – Reigniting Desire, Unlocking New Value, the conference examined challenges facing natural diamonds, particularly shifting consumer preferences, pricing pressures and the need to distinguish natural stones in an increasingly competitive jewellery market.
Industry representatives discussed how producers, traders and retailers could work together to restore consumer confidence while exploring new commercial opportunities.
UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri delivered the keynote address, highlighting the country’s growing importance across diamond production, manufacturing, international trade and retail.
Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, also addressed participants through a video message, reinforcing the importance of cooperation between diamond-producing nations and international trading centres.
A central question shaped the discussions: how can natural diamonds remain desirable luxury products while developing a stronger position as potential investment assets?
DMCC believes the answer requires more than marketing. Transparent valuation, credible authentication and stronger financial infrastructure will be important to the industry’s future.
DMCC Partners With HRD Antwerp to Expand Diamond Education in the UAE
One of the conference’s major developments was a new partnership between the Dubai Design Academy and HRD Antwerp, an international institution specialising in diamond certification, grading and jewellery education.
The agreement will introduce professional training programmes covering diamond grading, gemmology, jewellery design and other technical disciplines. Participants who complete the courses successfully will receive internationally recognised diplomas issued by HRD Antwerp.
The initiative could provide valuable opportunities for jewellery professionals, entrepreneurs and businesses operating within Dubai’s growing diamond ecosystem.
It also reflects DMCC’s ambition to expand beyond commodity trading. By developing specialist skills locally, Dubai can strengthen its capabilities in jewellery design, manufacturing and related professional services.
For companies operating in the UAE’s diamond and jewellery sector, access to internationally recognised training could help improve technical expertise and support workforce development.
Rare 888.88-Carat Infinity Diamond Makes Its Dubai Debut
A remarkable 888.88-carat fancy black natural diamond became one of the conference’s biggest attractions.
Known as the Infinity diamond, the stone was presented by Diamond Trading NV and transported securely by Brink’s.
The diamond originated in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and was cut from a 1,138-carat rough stone acquired in 1975 on behalf of De Beers.
In 2013, the Gemological Institute of America examined the original rough diamond and documented it as the largest single-crystal natural diamond it had examined and reported on at that time.
Between 2022 and 2024, the rough stone underwent cutting and polishing to become the finished 888.88-carat Infinity diamond.
Its unveiling in Dubai placed the spotlight on rarity, provenance and craftsmanship, qualities the natural diamond industry hopes will remain central to its appeal among collectors and luxury buyers.
World’s First Dubai Cut Boutique Opens a New Chapter for Luxury Jewellery
Another announcement came from Amit Dhamani, CEO and Managing Director of Dhamani Jewels Group, who introduced the Dubai Cut – Dhamani Boutique.
The boutique is the first dedicated retail location showcasing the Dubai Cut diamond, a distinctive natural diamond creation associated with Dubai’s luxury jewellery industry.
The launch reflects efforts to strengthen Dubai’s identity not only as an international diamond trading hub but also as a destination for exclusive jewellery collections.
For luxury retailers, products with recognisable origins, limited availability and distinctive craftsmanship can offer an advantage in attracting collectors and high-value consumers.
The Dubai Cut initiative builds on that approach, connecting the emirate’s diamond trading infrastructure with its expanding luxury retail market.
Dubai’s Diamond Trade Reaches Record USD 41.7 Billion
Dubai’s growing influence in the international diamond market is backed by substantial trade activity.
According to DMCC, the emirate recorded USD 41.7 billion in diamond trade during 2025, representing 359.5 million carats. The figures marked the first time Dubai achieved record highs in both diamond trade value and physical volume during the same year.
Natural diamonds accounted for 95.8% of total trade value, while natural rough diamond transactions reached USD 21.2 billion.
These results underline Dubai’s importance as a trading connection between diamond-producing countries, international manufacturing centres and major consumer markets.
DMCC’s expanding precious stones ecosystem, supported by the Dubai Diamond Exchange, continues to attract businesses involved in sourcing, trading, financing and jewellery-related services.
Dubai’s position also reflects years of investment in specialised infrastructure, international partnerships and regulatory frameworks designed to support commodity businesses.
For diamond traders and jewellery companies considering expansion into the Middle East, the emirate offers access to an established commercial network with connections across Asia, Africa and Europe.
New Investment Models Could Change How Diamonds Are Traded
The conference also explored whether natural diamonds could develop a more established role as investment assets.
Discussions covered digital authentication, transparent pricing, tokenisation and fractional ownership, alongside financial structures that could support diamond-backed investment products.
Such models remain subject to practical challenges, including valuation consistency, liquidity and investor confidence.
DMCC and ORIGINALLUXURY also introduced The Swiss Parallel, a report examining lessons from the Swiss mechanical watch industry’s transformation into a globally recognised luxury and investment market.
The report identifies seven strategic approaches for the natural diamond industry, including stronger differentiation, authentication, collective governance and new investment infrastructure.
The comparison highlights an important opportunity. Natural diamonds may be able to strengthen their long-term appeal by focusing more clearly on heritage, rarity and verifiable authenticity rather than competing primarily on price.
For investors, however, diamonds remain different from conventional financial assets. Their value depends on characteristics such as quality, rarity, certification and market demand, making transparent valuation particularly important.
Dubai Diamond Week 2026 Connects Global Traders and Jewellery Businesses
The Dubai Diamond Conference forms part of the wider Dubai Diamond Week programme, running from 26 to 29 October 2026.
Business meetings scheduled for 27 October will provide opportunities for industry participants to explore commercial partnerships, investment opportunities and cooperation between diamond-producing and trading markets.
Jewellery, Gem & Technology Dubai (JGTD) will also take place from 27 to 29 October at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai.
The exhibition brings together international jewellery manufacturers, gemstone suppliers, retailers, technology providers and buyers.
By combining industry discussions with practical trading opportunities, Dubai Diamond Week aims to connect the different stages of the diamond and jewellery supply chain.
For Dubai-based companies, the programme offers opportunities to establish international relationships, identify suppliers and explore emerging market trends.
The event also reinforces the UAE’s wider efforts to attract international businesses involved in high-value commodities, luxury goods and specialised trading services.
DMCC Strengthens Dubai’s Position as a Global Diamond Business Hub
The latest announcements demonstrate how DMCC is working to expand Dubai’s influence across the international diamond industry.
Education partnerships, luxury retail initiatives, investment discussions and major industry events all support a broader strategy that extends beyond traditional diamond trading.
The natural diamond sector still faces difficult questions about demand, pricing and long-term consumer confidence. Dubai cannot resolve those challenges alone.
What it can offer is a meeting point for the businesses, governments and financial institutions seeking solutions.
For companies considering establishing operations in Dubai, DMCC’s established trading ecosystem and international industry connections provide a foundation for exploring opportunities in diamond trading, jewellery manufacturing and related services.
With record trade volumes and an expanding network of international partners, DMCC is positioning Dubai to play a central role in shaping the industry’s next chapter.