Sponsors flock to back 2nd Dubai City of Gold Conference as global jewellery and precious metals community gather in Dubai

The conference, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence, boasts an impressive list of industry experts, all of which will bring a valuable global perspective to an expectant audience. The conference theme- the development of Dubai as a major international hub for the jewellery, gems and precious metals industry - is expected to be of universal interest to members of the jewellery, finance and mining communities.

The event takes place at the Emirates Towers on December 6 & 7 and has secured the endorsement of the world's leading gold and jewellery organisations. The conference is supported by the Dubai Metals and Commodities Centre (DMCC).

"We are very proud to provide our support to this conference - an event that has become truly international through the profile of speakers and attending delegates," said Ahmed bin Sulayem, COO, DMCC. "At DMCC we are also pleased to see so much of the event devoted to manufacturing and mining - showing that Dubai is now becoming so much more than simply a centre for selling the finest jewellery. It is our belief that through partnership, and international conferences such as these, that Dubai will start to assume a far greater importance in the global marketplace for precious metals, gems and jewellery," he concluded.

AngloGold, the largest mining corporation in the world, has been confirmed as the conference's leading key sponsor. As well as being key sponsors of the conference, a number of senior representatives from AngloGold, the Diamond Trading Company (De Beers), Credit Suisse, Standard Bank and World Gold Council, will all actively participate in the annual event. Support sponsors, including American Express, Commerzbank International SA & National Bank of Fujairah, Fiera de Vicenza, National Bank of Dubai and Scotia Mocatta, Sisma, Transguard and Emirates Airline, the official carrier for the event, are all actively involved in the promotion and support of this high profile event.

Building on the city's existing international reputation as the "City of Gold", the Annual Conference is expected to become one of the most influential international events on the jewellery, gems and precious metals calendar. Kelvin Williams, Executive Director for AngloGold is an example of the calibre of spokespersons on offer. Over the two day period he will be discussing the challenges of changing global consumer trends for the gold, jewellery and gemstones business as well as providing delegates with invaluable insights into the global mining business from a market leaders perspective. Williams will also be discussing the mining communities roles as a catalyst in helping the jewellery industry to win modern customers as well as acting as marketing module day one of the conference.

We are delighted that so many esteemed members of the gold, diamonds, precious metals and jewellery community generally can join us here in Dubai for this unique event," said Tawhid Abdullah, Chairman of the Gold and Jewellery group, Dubai.

"Our aim is to make the City of gold Conference an annual event of note for the international jewellery fraternity. The calibre of speakers this year is truly world class and the representatives participation is indicative of the growing significance of Dubai and this event in particular in the development of the global jewellery business," he concluded.

Also commenting on the forthcoming event, Moaz Barakat, Managing Director for the World Gold Council for the Middle East, Turkey and Pakistan, said, "As part of our continuous support of the gold industry, The World Gold Council is pleased to be one of the key sponsors for the 2nd Dubai City of Gold Conference. The Middle East region in totality has the fastest growing, and largest, gold market in the world. This region has always been known for its high affinity to gold. While these are all positive indicators, there are still many challenges to be met. The various marketing initiatives and activities run by the Council have met with these challenges and has helped push Dubai as 'The City of Gold' to higher levels in terms of gold jewellery and bullion.

Dr Abdulla AlHashimi, Senior Vice-President, Emirates Group Security, commented: "Transguard, the Emirates Group's security services provider, is playing a key role in Dubai's emergence as the City of Gold and we are pleased to support this important conference. The involvement of the Emirates Group in the success of Dubai as a gateway for gold exports on a global level does not stop with Transguard. Thanks to Emirates SkyCargo, companies in the Dubai Metals and Commodities Centre (DMCC) companies in the DMCC can take advantage of secure and specialised handling commensurate with time definite carriage for gold shipments to the world's major gold centres, all served by Emirates."