DMCC convened the seventh Dubai Diamond Conference on 26 October, bringing together global industry leaders to discuss strategies to revive consumer demand for natural diamonds and unlock new investment opportunities. Held under the theme “Diamond 2.0: A Strategic Reset”, the conference also saw the launch of The Swiss Parallel, a report developed by DMCC and ORIGINALLUXURY that draws lessons from the Swiss watch industry’s recovery following the quartz crisis.
The report outlines seven strategic moves for the natural diamond industry: cede the commodity tier, make rarity central to jewellery demand, strengthen authentication and provenance, establish an investment tier, improve collective industry governance, position sustainability as a social-impact story, and build consumer conviction through experiences. It highlights that lab-grown diamonds accounted for 61% of US engagement-ring sales in 2025, underscoring the urgency of a coordinated industry response.
DMCC also announced an education partnership between Dubai Design Academy and HRD Antwerp to expand professional training in diamond grading, gemmology and jewellery design across the UAE. Participants completing the courses will receive internationally recognised diplomas issued by HRD Antwerp.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, said: “The natural diamond industry is at a defining moment, and the pressures it faces go well beyond supply and demand. For producing countries, manufacturing centres, and the communities that depend on them, these are not abstract challenges. Reigniting consumer desire, restoring confidence, and unlocking new value will take decisive, coordinated action from mine to retailer, and that includes how the trade is financed.
“Diamond banking can be profitable and efficient when specialist knowledge, disciplined risk assessment, and the right clientele underpin lending. The same discipline should guide how we explore authenticated natural diamonds as a potential investment category.
The conference featured the unveiling of the 888.88-carat fancy black natural Infinity diamond, originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the launch of the world’s first dedicated Dubai Cut retail store, Dhamani Boutique. Dubai recorded a record US$41.7 billion in diamond trade in 2025, with natural diamonds accounting for 95.8% of total trade value.
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