DDE ties up with Transguard to offer members special rates for secure international diamond shipments

The agreement also designates Transguard as the official freight forwarder for the Exchange.

With access to a vast network of transport links, courtesy of Emirates and Transguard's affiliation with other airlines, Transguard can deliver at optimal speed, while ultimately guaranteeing security. This extensive arrangement presents new heights and opportunities for DDE members with the potential to expand their business.

"The Dubai Diamond Exchange is always looking to implement business friendly initiatives that will facilitate our members to conduct their Dubai-based transactions in a stress-free environment,"

said Dr. David Rutledge, Chairman, DDE.

"The rate of freight charges for shipment of valuables originating from Dubai has been an area of concern for Dubai-based diamond traders, thereby affecting the development of the diamond trade," he added.

"DDE has taken a proactive role in addressing these concerns and has worked closely with Transguard, which has already established a strong reputation for itself as a reliable and stable security services provider with a wide range services. DDE's agreement with Transguard will build on this reputation to offer value-added services to our members, thereby generating greater confidence in Dubai's diamond industry," he added.

The agreement with Transguard is a result of extensive dialogue and consultation with the members of the diamond industry, as part of the roundtable discussions that has been initiated by DDE," said Ms Noora Jamsheer, CEO of DDE. "Held on a monthly basis, the Roundtable Discussions project encourages DDE members to take a hands-on role in leading the diamond industry reform in the upcoming years," she added.

"We are very proud to be selected as the official freight forwarder by the Dubai Diamond Exchange which has a wide member database with its clientele ranging from various nationalities and diamond trading centres across the globe. This symbiotic partnership will certainly enhance the overall facilitation in the handling process" said Dr. Abdulla Al Hashimi, Divisional Senior Vice President of Transguard. "We hope by extending the state-of-the-art facilities, systems and equipment to DDE members, Transguard will further invigorate and contribute to the already growing diamond business in Dubai and UAE on the whole. " he added.

Transguard already has a similar agreement with the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, the parent arm of DDE, to offer reduced rates to its members for gold shipments to all the major gold centres served by the Emirates.

DDE and Transguard have also launched a promotional scheme, the effective date of which will be announced in June 2006, to offer DDE members who are customers of Transguard, the equivalent of one skyward mile for every US dollar of invoicing, thereby ensuring double benefits.

Miles can be redeemed for free air tickets, upgrades, excess baggage, usage of lounges, special hotel rates and other offers introduced by Skywards from time to time with conditions applying.