DMCC has outlined seven strategic priorities to help the natural diamond industry rebuild consumer demand and explore new avenues for growth. The recommendations were presented at the seventh Dubai Diamond Conference on 26 October, held under the theme Diamond 2.0: A Strategic Reset.
A key development at the conference was the launch of The Swiss Parallel, a report jointly developed by DMCC and ORIGINALLUXURY. Drawing on the Swiss watch industry's recovery following the quartz crisis, the report examines how natural diamonds can strengthen their market position by moving beyond price-led competition and building lasting consumer appeal.
The report proposes seven areas of focus: moving away from the commodity segment, making rarity a stronger driver of jewellery demand, improving authentication and provenance, developing an investment category, strengthening industry-wide governance, communicating sustainability through social impact, and creating experiences that deepen consumer engagement.
The recommendations come as lab-grown diamonds continue to gain ground in key markets. According to the report, lab-grown diamonds accounted for 61% of engagement-ring sales in the US in 2025, highlighting the need for the natural diamond trade to establish a clearer point of distinction and reinforce its value proposition.
Addressing the conference, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC, emphasised the need for coordinated action across the diamond value chain. He also highlighted the potential for specialist diamond banking and disciplined lending practices to support the trade, alongside further exploration of authenticated natural diamonds as an investment category.
Beyond the strategy report, the conference featured the unveiling of the 888.88-carat fancy black natural Infinity diamond, sourced from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It also marked the launch of Dhamani Boutique, described as the world's first dedicated Dubai Cut retail store.
Dubai's position as a major diamond trading hub was reflected in its 2025 trade figures. The emirate recorded US$41.7 billion in diamond trade, with natural diamonds representing 95.8% of the total trade value.
The conference also saw the announcement of an education partnership between Dubai Design Academy and HRD Antwerp. The initiative will expand professional training in diamond grading, gemmology and jewellery design across the UAE, with participants receiving internationally recognised diplomas issued by HRD Antwerp.
