With the launch of the Doha International Diamond & Gem Conference (DIDGC), Qatar has made a bold entrance into the global diamond trade, signalling its ambition to become a key player in the luxury jewellery market. As industry leaders gathered to discuss supply chain transparency, pricing challenges, and evolving consumer trends, it became clear that Qatar is not just positioning itself as a host but as a rising hub for the future of the diamond and gemstone industry.
Qatars Ambition: A New Global Diamond Hub
As the diamond and gemstone trade undergoes a transformation shaped by geopolitical shifts, evolving consumer values, and the rise of lab-grown alternatives the DIDGC has emerged as an unexpected yet powerful platform in the global landscape. Traditionally known for its dominance in energy and finance, Qatar is now leveraging its strategic location, economic influence, and emerging role in luxury to establish itself as a serious contender in the high-stakes world of diamonds and fine jewellery.
Held alongside the Doha Jewellery & Watches Exhibition, the three-day conference (January 29-31, 2025) at The Ned Doha attracted a powerhouse of industry figures from mining giants and midstream manufacturers to luxury retailers and ethical sourcing advocates. However, DIDGC was not just another industry gathering; it was a catalyst for conversations that could redefine the diamond trade’s future.
Shaping the Future: Key Insights & Discussions
The conference opened with a powerful keynote by H.E. Saad Bin Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, who underscored Qatara’s vision of becoming a global hub for luxury, trade, and innovation.
This sentiment was echoed by H.E. Dr. Ahmad Bin Mohd Al Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, who highlighted Qatar’s strategic economic initiatives in the diamond and gemstone trade, reinforcing the country’s commitment to fostering investment and global collaboration.
H.E. Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Minister of Minerals and Energy of Botswana, emphasized the importance of ethical diamond sourcing, stating that Botswana’s partnership with Qatar in the Kimberley Process is a testament to the country’s growing influence in the global trade.
Industry leaders also tackled pressing issues facing the trade:
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of DMCC, discussed the challenges and opportunities in navigating market disruptions, including the rise of lab-grown diamonds and shifting consumer demand.
Feriel Zerouki, President of the World Diamond Council (WDC), emphasized supply chain transparency and ethical sourcing as critical factors in sustaining the industry’s future.
Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman of the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), highlighted the deep trade ties between India and Qatar, pointing out that the growing relationship between the two nations will play a crucial role in the evolution of the global diamond trade.
A New Marketing Challenge for Natural Diamonds & Gemstones
One of the most thought-provoking discussions centered around luxury marketing for diamonds and gemstones. As consumers increasingly seek sustainable luxury, experts agreed that the industry must redefine its storytelling to maintain desirability.
In a panel moderated by Dr. Frank Müller, speakers such as David Kellie (Natural Diamond Council) and Katerina Perez (Jewelry Insider & Brand Consultant) examined how the diamond and gemstone industry must reposition itself to compete with high-end fashion and luxury watches in terms of branding, desirability, and digital engagement.
Why Qatar? The Country’s Strategic Advantage
A special session, “Why Qatar?”, provided deep insights into why Qatar is emerging as an attractive destination for luxury investment.
Key figures from Qatar’s economic and business sectors, including Mohammed Abdulsalam Al Emadi (Qatar Development Bank) and Abdulla Al Abdulla (Director of Regulations Development and Compliance), outlined Qatar’s pro-business policies, stable economic climate, and world-class infrastructure, reinforcing its ability to support and expand the diamond and gemstone industry.
Sustainability & Ethical Sourcing: A Landmark Discussion at Heenat Salma Farm
One of the most unique aspects of the conference was a session on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and sustainability, held at the Heenat Salma Farm in Al Shaniya.
This off-site discussion—set against Qatar’s stunning desert landscape—brought together mining companies, ethical sourcing advocates, and sustainability experts to debate the future of responsible diamond mining, social impact, and industry-wide sustainability efforts.
The session reinforced that luxury and responsibility must go hand in hand, with speakers emphasising that modern consumers demand transparency, ethical sourcing, and environmental consciousness in the products they purchase.
As the conference progressed, several key themes emerged, underscoring the significance of collaboration, innovation, and sustainability. The theme The New Connection turned out to be more than just a concept it became a reality. Industry leaders, traders, and policymakers discovered new opportunities to form partnerships, aligning on strategies to promote natural diamonds and gemstones in response to shifting consumer demands. Sessions such as Fostering Collaboration in the Diamond and Gemstone Sectors emphasised the critical need for a more unified supply chain, with experts like Paul Rowley (De Beers) and Yamkela Makupula (South African Diamond Producers Association - SADPO) stressing the importance of dismantling industry silos.
The conversation on category marketing highlighted a significant challenge diamonds and colored gemstones are not positioned as luxury products in the same way as other high-end goods. In a session led by Dr. Frank Miller, industry experts such as David Kellie (Natural Diamond Council) and Katerina Perez (Jewelry Insider & Brand Consultant) discussed the need for brands to reinvent their storytelling strategies to preserve desirability and engage the next generation of luxury consumers.
Final Reflections: A New Era Begins for Qatar
As the conference drew to a close, the final session, “The Morning After,” featured industry veterans reflecting on the key takeaways from DIDGC 2025. The overarching message? This is just the beginning.
Alex Popov, Chair of the DIDGC Organizing Committee, expressed his optimism for the future: “This conference has demonstrated that Qatar is not just participating in the global diamond and gemstone trade—it is actively shaping its future. The level of engagement, the quality of discussions, and the vision shared here set a new benchmark for collaboration in our industry.”
From strengthening the diamond and gemstone value chain to redefining marketing strategies and enhancing sustainability efforts, the Doha International Diamond & Gem Conference has set the stage for tangible industry-wide change.
Qatar has proven itself not just as a host, but as an emerging leader in the global diamond and gemstone sector. This inaugural event marks the beginning of a long-term vision for luxury, trade, and investment.
With new partnerships forged and critical conversations ignited, DIDGC 2025 will be remembered as a defining moment—one where Qatar positioned itself at the center of the industry’s future.
Author: Shohista Turdiyeva
Comentarios