Southeast Asia's oldest english-language trade journal on the international gems and jewellery community

The inaugural Doha International Diamond & Gem Conference, which concluded on January 31st, marked a significant milestone in Qatar’s pursuit of establishing itself as a leading global hub for luxury, trade, and innovation within the diamond and coloured gemstone industries.

Held in conjunction with the prestigious Doha Jewelry & Watches Exhibition, the conference brought together prominent figures from across the global diamond and gemstone sectors, creating a platform for collaboration, sustainability, and forward-thinking strategies to shape the industry’s future. In his opening address, H.E. Saad Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, highlighted Qatar’s long-standing association with luxury, world-class infrastructure, and hospitality. He noted that the conference and exhibition were integral to Qatar’s broader vision of becoming the global epicenter of luxury, signaling the country’s ambitious plans for the future.

H.E. Dr. Ahmed Al Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, also underscored Qatar’s growing role in the international diamond and gemstone trade, emphasizing the country’s commitment to fostering collaboration and attracting investment. He reaffirmed Qatar’s ongoing involvement in the Kimberley Process and its aspiration to be a key player in the global diamond and jewellery market. H.E. Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Botswana’s Minister of Minerals and Energy, celebrated the partnership between Qatar and Botswana in promoting ethical diamond trading. She expressed pride in Qatar’s commitment to advancing the Kimberley Process and applauded the country’s proactive stance in shaping the future of natural diamond trading.

Speaking to the dynamic nature of the global diamond trade, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, acknowledged both the challenges facing the industry, such as evolving consumer demands and the rise of lab-grown diamonds, and the opportunities for innovation and collaboration that these shifts bring. Feriel Zerouki, President of the World Diamond Council (WDC), praised Qatar’s significant strides in the diamond industry, especially since joining the Kimberley Process in 2021. She noted that the conference marked a pivotal moment in Qatar’s journey toward establishing itself as a leader in ethical sourcing and responsible trade practices. Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), emphasized the strong ties between Qatar and India, particularly in the high-value jewellery sector. The relationship between the two nations is further reinforced by the large Indian expatriate community in Qatar, which continues to foster deeper economic and cultural connections.

Reflecting on the event’s success, Alex Popov, Chair of the Organising Committee, stated that the conference demonstrated Qatar’s role as not just a participant but a driving force in the global diamond, coloured gemstone, and pearl trade. He highlighted the collaborative spirit and forward-looking vision shared throughout the conference, setting a new standard for the industry.

Key discussions at the conference focused on pressing themes such as collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. The session on fostering collaboration in the diamond and gemstone sectors was particularly impactful, with industry leaders stressing the need for a more integrated supply chain and the importance of breaking down industry silos. One key challenge discussed during the event was the marketing of diamonds and coloured gemstones. Despite their status as luxury items, the sector often fails to market them with the same storytelling techniques that other high-end products benefit from. Experts like David Kellie (Natural Diamond Council) and Katerina Perez (Jewelry Insider & Brand Consultant) discussed the need for brands to redefine their approach to captivate a new generation of luxury consumers.

The “Why Qatar?” session highlighted the advantages that Qatar offers as a luxury trade and investment hub. Experts from the Qatar Development Bank, Invest Qatar, and the Qatar Free Zone Authority discussed the country’s pro-business policies, stable economy, and state-of-the-art infrastructure, which make it an ideal location for sustainable growth in the diamond and gemstone industry. One of the standout moments of the conference took place at Heenat Salma Farm, where industry leaders gathered to discuss the future of ethical sourcing, responsible mining, and sustainability. Set against the stunning backdrop of Qatar’s desert landscape, the session offered a chance for participants to reflect on the intersection of luxury and responsibility in the gemstone trade.

As the conference wrapped up, the final session, “The Morning After,” brought together industry veterans to reflect on the insights gained throughout the event. The consensus was clear: the conference was just the beginning. The discussions about strengthening the diamond and gemstone value chain, redefining marketing strategies, and advancing sustainability efforts set the stage for tangible, industry-wide change. Qatar’s role as a key player in the diamond and gemstone industry has now been firmly established. The 2025 Doha International Diamond & Gem Conference has signaled the country’s long-term vision for becoming a central figure in the global luxury and trade sectors. The event served as a catalyst for new partnerships, fresh ideas, and meaningful progress, marking the dawn of a new era for Qatar in the world of luxury.