Dubai Summit honours leaders in diamond and jewellery trade

The awards were conferred at a gala event held at the Atlantis Hotel, Palm Jumeirah, on the sidelines of the two-day summit, which concludes today. Guests at the evening consisted of an array of public and private-sector leaders, including high-profile members of the global diamond trade.

The highlight of the event was the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to the late Mohammed Taher Abdullah, Founder, Damas. This distinguished award in honour of his lifetime excellence and contribution to the jewellery industry was received by his three sons Tawhid, Tawfiq and Tamjid Abdullah.

Other industry experts that were honoured with the awards included Vincent Chow, Group General Manager, Chow Sang Sang; Imam Altinbas, Founder, Altinbas; Robert Mouwad, Founder, Mouwad; Jamal Farsi, Founder, Farsi Jewellery; Roberto Coin, Founder, Roberto Coin; and Pankaj Mehta, Founder, Dimexon Group.

"These distinguished personalities have led the evolution of the diamond and jewellery markets in China and the Middle East, transforming them into the most promising growth areas for the diamond and jewellery trade. Thanks to their inspiring leadership and in-depth expertise, these two markets today is the powerhouses of the global jewellery trade," Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC, told guests at the event.

Damas is an international integrated jewellery and watch retailer operating in 18 countries, with over 450 stores. The group's stores offer its own branded products as well as products sold under leading global and regional luxury brands.

Altinbas is the leading jewellery manufacturing and distribution group in Turkey. Established in 1950s, as a family owned company, the group employs more than 2,500 people and exports gold jewellery to more than 40 countries around the world.

Chow Sang Sang is a premier jewellery manufacturer in China, with over 3,100 employees. Established in 1934, it became publicly-listed in Hong Kong in 1973. It is known for its high-end jewellery, catering to a niche audience.

Farsi Jewellery is a leading Saudi based jewellery brand. It operates three branches in Makkah, two branches and a manufacturing firm in Jeddah. It is headed by Jamil Farsi, who is the Dean of Jewellers of the city of Jeddah and the Chairman of the Gold and Jewellery Committee in the Chamber of Commerce in Jeddah.

Roberto Coin founded his company in 1977. The company is recognised for some of the most prestigious brands of international fine jewellery. It is the seventh among the best known jewellery brands in the United States and operates 1,000 retail outlets across the world.

For four generations, the Mouawad family has consistently demonstrated its passion for the advancement of the gem and jewellery industry. Building on the momentum of its accomplishments, Mouawad continues to bring its European traditions and craftsmanship to the cream of the society.

Dimexon Group of Companies is present in six countries across three continents. The group includes a diamond manufacturing and wholesale division, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in China and seven retail outlets in India.

The awards gala started with glamorous models taking to the ramp wearing the finest pieces of diamond jewellery manufactured by Dimexon Eurostar, Gitanjali, Jewelex and KGK.

The MECDJ Summit brought together hundreds of leading international traders and retailers from the diamond industry looking to make the best use of opportunities arising in high-growth markets in Asia and the Middle East.