Dubai recorded $41.7 billion in diamond trade from 359.5 million carats in 2025, setting new records in both value and volume in the same year for the first time, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) highlighted as it convened the seventh Dubai Diamond Conference on 26 October 2026.
It said natural diamonds accounted for 95.8% of total diamond trade value, while Dubai's natural rough diamond trade reached $21.2 billion.
Citing Dubai's record trade figures, DMCC executive chairperson Ahmed Bin Sulayem noted the emirate's position to lead the conversation.
“The natural diamond industry is at a defining moment, and the pressures it faces go well beyond supply and demand,” he said.
The conference brought together senior government officials and global industry leaders to chart a new direction for the natural diamond sector.
Held under the theme “Diamond 2.0: A Strategic Reset – Reigniting Desire, Unlocking New Value,” the conference focused on the structural challenges facing the natural diamond industry and the coordinated action required to strengthen consumer demand and restore long-term value.
During the event, DMCC and ORIGINALLUXURY launched The Swiss Parallel, a new report examining how the Swiss mechanical watch industry transformed its market positioning.
The report sets out seven strategic moves for the natural diamond industry, spanning differentiation, authentication, collective governance, and the development of new investment infrastructure.
We published the major highlights of the report in our exclusive section.
UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri delivered the keynote address, stressing the UAE's vision to develop an integrated ecosystem for the diamond industry, expanding trade and increasing value-added contributions.
Botswana's Minister of Minerals and Energy Bogolo Joy Kenewendo also addressed delegates via video.
DMCC said her participation and that of Al Marri underscored the importance of international cooperation between producing and trading nations in supporting the industry's long-term competitiveness and economic contribution.
Throughout the conference, delegates examined how stronger differentiation, transparent valuation, and new investment structures could support the natural diamond sector, exploring the potential for tokenisation, fractional ownership, and digital infrastructure to expand access to diamond assets.
The conference forms part of Dubai Diamond Week 2026, which also includes Jewellery, Gem & Technology Dubai (JGTD), taking place from 27 to 29 October.
The exhibition will bring together international manufacturers, traders, retailers, and buyers, further strengthening Dubai's role as a global meeting point for the diamond and jewellery industry.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor-In-Chief, Rough & Polished
