Region’s first Gem Show opens in Dubai

Press Release Content

Over 100 exhibitors from the coloured stones industry representing more than 20 countries converged today in Dubai for the ICA International Gem Show Dubai 2008.

Held for the first time in the Middle East, this three-day exhibition held under the patronage of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), is being organised by the International Coloured Gemstone Association (ICA) and supported by the Middle East GemBureau.

The show features major gemstones buyers and manufacturers from Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey Russia and the USA. Exhibitors have to be members of ICA or Dubai Gems Club and sign an ethics agreement, a step which is being taken to foster buyer confidence.

While the first two days are dedicated to trade, a consumer day will be conducted on the last day of the exhibition where the general public can view and purchase exquisite jewellery pieces between 10am and 9pm.

Addressing the conference, Gaiti Rabbani, Executive Director, Coloured Stones and Pearls Division, DMCC said: “We are very pleased with the response received for this gem show which underlines Dubai’s position as a new global hub for the trade of cut and rough coloured gemstones.”

ICA is a non-profit trade association, representing the international coloured gemstone industry in 46 countries worldwide. With over 500 members, ICA partners with industry bodies and organisations to foster growth and networking opportunities in the coloured stones industry.

Andrew Cody, President of the ICA, said: “Being strategically located amidst international trade flows, Dubai has emerged as an important centre for precious commodities trade. In addition, the Government of Dubai and DMCC’s role in particular in further developing the coloured stones trade has clearly positioned Dubai as the ideal location for a dedicated trade fair.

“Devised on a format that is completely different from other trade fairs, the ICA Gem Show Dubai 2008 provides a professional networking environment for creating long-term business partnerships from across the value chain of the global coloured stones industry. This will be a compact and luxurious show where buyers will have confidence that they are dealing with ethical traders,” Cody added.

The ICA International Gem Show is currently being held at the Al Bustan Hotel and features leading names from the coloured stones industry such as K Brunini Jewels, JOEB Enterprises, Canelhas, Pink Stone and Tavares Gems.

Notes and contacts

About Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)

DMCC was created in 2002 as a strategic initiative of the Dubai Government to establish a commodity marketplace in Dubai. Rated 'A' by Standard & Poor's, it provides the market infrastructure that brings together a wide range of commodities activities, and is committed to serve the needs of participants in the gold, diamonds and commodities markets.

Resident companies of DMCC are offered highly attractive benefits under a free zone status, including a 50-year guaranteed tax holiday, 100 per cent business ownership, full ownership of business premises, and a secure regulated environment.

The DMCC established a dedicated Coloured Stones and Pearls Division in 2007, to provide traders with the tools they need to continue to grow the market in addition to fostering relations with the international trade and developing industry services. Current DMCC projects in the portfolio of the Coloured Stones and Pearls Division include the Dubai Gems Club and the Dubai Pearl Exchange.

International Coloured Stones Association (ICA)

ICA is a non-profit trade association, representing the international coloured gemstone industry in 46 countries worldwide. With over 500 members, ICA partners with industry bodies and organisations to foster growth and networking opportunities in the coloured stones industry.

The ICA is well-known throughout the world for its continued commitment and support of social responsibility and ethical trading. One of the projects that ICA is working to develop is the ethical trade brand, expected to be applied to all levels of the gemstone industry from wholesalers and cutters to laboratories and retailers.

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