The Dubai Multi-Commodities Centre (DMCC) will be hosting the inaugural and annual Middle East Gems & Jewellery Forum (MEGJF) at the Almas tower on November 9, 2014. The gathering of international, regional and local experts will discuss gem and jewellery trends in the Middle East, as well as regional consumer preferences and market opportunities. The conference is an invite-only event.

The organisers believe that an understanding of regional preferences and the growing opportunities in the Middle East markets is critical to businesses looking to capitalise on the significant growth and shift in trade patterns that have seen the Middle East emerge among the largest jewellery consuming markets globally. The region is also ideally located to tap emerging opportunities in the developing African economies.

Panel discussions will focus on the following themes

1. The Middle East jewellery market today - what factors are driving the growth?

2. Gemstones - identifying the new markets

3. Jewellery design and inspirations in the Middle East

4. The case for pearls, heritage and the future prospects 

5. Diamonds share of today's luxury spending

6. New opportunities – recent success stories and future potential

Prominent jewellers from the region such as Tawhid Abdulla, Chairman, Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group, Sheikh Jamil Farsi, Head of Jeddah Jewellers, Kholoud Al Kourdi, CEO, Toujours Jewellery, Mohammed Al Zain, CEO, Al Zain Jewellery, Rohit Dhamani, Director, Dhamani Jewellery  and a number of well known international speakers including Ian Harebottle of Gemfields, Robert Wan of Robert Wan Tahiti, Paola De Luca, TRENDVISION, Alex Popov, Chairman of the Board, World Diamond Mark and Mehmet Can Ozdemir, Board Member, Jewellery Exporter’s Union Turkey are among the speakers and panellists.