Global KP Chair to join several Ministers of Mines of Southern African diamond producing countries at Inaugural Dubai Diamond Conference

Almas Tower is home to the Dubai Diamond Exchange, a DMCC initiative; over 1,000 diamond, precious metals, precious stones and jewellery companies; as well as the region's first KP Office, which issued a total of 9,921 trade certificates in 2012, a 32% increase from 2011.

The conference will also be honoured by the presence of the Hon. Susan Shabangu, Minister of Mineral Resources of South Africa.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC, said, "Dubai's strong leadership and vision has enabled the Emirate to quickly transform itself into a key link in the global transport and distribution system. Since its inception in 2002, DMCC has complemented this strategic vision by focussing on establishing Dubai as the global gateway for commodities trade by building and enhancing its physical and financial infrastructure, regulation, products and services, including the launch of the Dubai Diamond Exchange and the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange ('DGCX'). As a result, Dubai has successfully positioned itself as one of the world's leading diamond centres alongside the likes of Antwerp, New York and Mumbai."

Keynote speakers such as Hon. Susan Shabangu, Minister of Mineral Resources of the Republic of South Africa; Hon. Dr. Obert Moses Mpofu, Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Republic of Zimbabwe; Hon. Prof. Dr. Francisco Queiroz, Minister of Geology, Mines and Industry, Republic of Angola; Hon. Isak Katali, Minister of Mines and Energy of the Republic of Namibia; and Hon. Onkokame Kitso Mokaila, Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Botswana will provide attendees with insights from their respective roles covering topics ranging from mining to polishing, trading to finance and diamond banking.

Hon. Susan Shabangu, Minister of Mineral Resources of the Republic of South Africa said, "Dubai has seen remarkable growth in the past ten years, particularly within the diamond industry. Located at the centre of the New Silk Route, it is certainly the ideal destination for an international diamond conference and I am delighted to attend the inaugural Dubai Diamond Conference on behalf of the Republic of South Africa. I look forward to the range of debates and panel discussions that are in store, as well as identifying more ways in which South Africa and the UAE can strengthen their trading ties."