The first Middle East-China Diamond & Jewellery Summit, hosted by the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), saw an attendance of over 800 leading international traders, retailers from the diamond industry. Within the happenings of business networking, two key segments at the Summit explained the broad platform of this Summit. One was the Lifetime Achievement award for seven distinguished individuals, in respect of their outstanding contributions to the growth of the diamond and jewellery trade in emerging global markets.

Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC, mentioned that, “These individuals have led the evolution of the markets in China and the Middle East transforming them into the most promising growth areas for the diamond and jewellery trade. Thanks to their inspiring leadership and innovation these two markets today are the powerhouses of the global jewellery trade”.

The honours were handed to late Mohammed Taher Abdullah, Founder, Damas; Vincent Chow, Group General Manager, Chow Sang Sang; Imam Altimbas, Founder, Altimbas; Robert Mouwad, Founder, Mouwad; Jamal Farsi, Founder, Farsi Jewellery; Roberto Coin, Founder, Roberto Coin; and Pankaj Mehta, Founder, Dimexon Group. The occasion was celebrated with a ramp showcase of diamond jewellery from Dimexon Eurostar, Gitanjali, Jewelex and KGK.

Another segment saw the “Diamonds for Charity” auction conducted by Christies’, during which, the “Palm Jumeirah Grand Masterpiece,” a 23.7 gram diamond- studded replica of the iconic Palm Island went under the hammer. The ornate piece was created by Roberto Coin in 18 karat white gold decked with 1,147 diamonds and a single Burmese natural ruby of 1.03 carat. The proceeds were donated to Dubai Cares, an initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to make primary education accessible to children of the world.

“The summit has provided a platform for traders and retailers to discuss opportunities and deliberate on strategies to capitalise on those opportunities. It has also opened a new front in the expanding domain of Middle East-China, cooperation,” said Peter Meeus, Executive Director - Diamonds, DMCC.