The first batch of employees of the Dubai Customs completed a two month Gems & Diamond Diploma course in collaboration with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Middle East. The training was part of an initiative by the Customs, the organisation said in a report published on its site.

The two-month programme covered basic knowledge about 4C’s of diamond grading and the GIA 7 Pearl Value Factors (size, shape, colour, nacre, luster, surface, and matching). It was designed by GIA to enhance knowledge about diamonds and pearls and enable the Customs employees perform their tasks more professionally.

Butti Al Jumairi, Executive Director of Human Resources, Finance and Administration Division, noted that the course will help the employees appropriately handle imports of jewellery and diamonds.

Nirupa Bhatt, MD, GIA in India and the Middle East, said: “Dubai is perceived as a fundamental international hub for gem and jewellery. We look forward to continuing to serve businesses here by providing a variety of specialized courses in gemmology.”