The Dubai Diamond Conference, which opened recently at the Almas Conference Centre, Almas Tower, DMCC, was attended by more than 500 delegates who heard H.E. Dr Albanna highlight the increasing importance of economic and diplomatic ties between the U.A.E and the nations of Africa. Among the key points discussed were the $18 billion of non-oil trade between the U.A.E. and Sub Saharan Africa; The U.A.E.’s membership of the African Union; and the growing diamond trade.

In keeping with H.E. Dr Albanna’s speech, the two-day Diamond Conference brought together international leaders of the diamond industry from a host of African ministers and traders, to financiers and world-renowned jewelers. The programme will draw upon the delegates’ vast range of experience and perspective to fuel dynamic discussions and stimulate innovation and growth in the diamond industry in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of the DMCC, highlighted the growth in the Dubai diamond trade from around $5 million at the DMCC’s inception in 2002 to a value of $30 billion today.