The first ever Middle East Gems & Jewellery Forum (MEGJF) held at Dubai on November 9 was attended by over 250 delegates and witnessed a number of interesting discussions on the challenges and opportunities faced by the industry in the region.

​The key themes running through the conference included the current trends and consumer preference in the gemstone market, potential future dynamics and opportunities for the Middle East jewellery market, and sources of regional inspiration for jewellery designs.

Delivering the welcome address, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC, said, “The UAE has the highest per capita gold jewellery consumption in the world and Dubai ranks among the world’s top trading hubs for gold, diamonds and gemstones.” 

He added, “The industry here at the MEGJF and we hope the event will lead to new partnerships being formed in an ever-changing economy, learn more about what the future holds for us and ultimately future growth to the benefit of the entire jewellery trade.”

During the sessions that followed, the delegates listened to different panels discuss topics such as ‘The Middle East jewellery market today: what factors drive growth?’, ‘Gemstones: Identifying new markets’ and ‘Jewellery design and inspirations in the Middle East’ and ‘The success of the jewellery market in Turkey’.

Among the panelists were well known jewellers from the region as well as representatives of international bodies such as Alex Popov of the World Diamond Mark Foundation, Ian Harebottle of Gemfields, Robert Wan of Robert Wan Group, Matteo Marzotto of Fiera di Vicenza and others.

Dates for the inaugural ‘Vincenzaoro Dubai’were also announced. The four day jewellery show organised by Fiera di Vicenza SpA in association with DMCC will be held from April 23-26, 2015.