Inaugural Doha Diamond & Gem conference begins, bringing together key global stakeholders of the industry

Backed by Qatar Tourism the conference brings together industry leaders, policy-makers and experts to discuss key challenges and opportunities in the diamond and gemstone trade. With high-level discussions on supply chain transparency, sustainability and market trends to panel sessions exploring collaboration, technological advancements, and consumer engagement strategies, the conference highlights Qatar’s growing role in the global industry

Doha: The inaugural Doha International Diamond & Gem Conference begins today, bringing together key stakeholders from across the global diamond and gemstone industry. Organised under the patronage of Qatar Tourism, the event will feature discussions on industry trends, challenges, and opportunities in the sector. 

Chairman of Qatar Tourism H E Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, the event’s chief sponsor, delivered the welcome address, setting the tone for the conference. The opening session included speeches by Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs H E Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Sayed, Minister of Minerals and Energy of Botswana H E Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Executive Chairman of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre Ahmed Bin Sulayem, President of the World Diamond Council Feriel Zerouki, and Vice Chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council Kirit Bhansali. 

The conference commenced with a Q&A session featuring De Beers Executive Vice-President Paul Rowley and industry expert Richard Chetwode. The discussions explored the current state of the diamond industry and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. 

The agenda for the first day includes three panel discussions, starting with “Fostering Collaboration in the Diamond and Gemstone Sectors.” Moderated by Richard Chetwode, the session will address the lack of vertical integration in the diamond and gemstone industries and the potential for increased collaboration. The second panel, “Coloured Gemstones and Pearls: New Horizons,” moderated by gemstone market specialist and author Richa Goyal, will explore market trends, value addition, and marketing strategies for coloured gemstones and pearls. The final panel, “The Tech Advantage in Diamond and Gemstone Supply Chain,” will examine how technological advancements are improving transparency, consumer trust, and supply chain efficiency. 

Day two will begin with a session titled “Why Qatar,” where leading Qatari executives will highlight the advantages of investing in the country’s growing economy. This will be followed by a panel discussion, “Adding Value to Diamonds and Gemstones: Keeping Consumers Captivated,” moderated by Dr. Frank Müller. The session will explore why diamonds and gemstones are not widely marketed as luxury products and how the industry can enhance their appeal. 

In the afternoon, delegates will visit Heenat Salma Farm in Al Shaniya to experience Qatari desert culture, food tastings, and cultural workshops. The final panel discussion, “From Mines to Markets: A Social Development Revolution,” will focus on sustainability and equitable opportunities in the diamond and gemstone industry, particularly in mining communities. 

Speaking on the conference’s rapid organisation, Alex Popov, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Doha International Diamond & Gem Conference, stated, “We’re excited that we succeeded in organising this inaugural conference in the span of just three months and look forward to meaningful and productive sessions. We hope this is the beginning of a long and impactful tradition here in Qatar.” 

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