Can Qatar Be More Than a Host?
As discussions unfolded, one question loomed: why Qatar?
The Gulf nation is not a mining hub, nor does it have a deep-rooted jewellery manufacturing industry. Yet, in a world where luxury markets are shifting eastward, Qatar is banking on its position as a rising centre for high-net-worth consumers, a stable geopolitical player, and a nation eager to diversify beyond oil and gas.
The conference’s later sessions will further explore this question, with discussions such as:
• Why Qatar? – A session featuring three leading Qatari executives discussing the country’s potential role in the global diamond and gemstone trade
• The Tech Advantage in Diamond and Gemstone Supply Chains – To address how AI, blockchain, and other innovations could make diamond sourcing more transparent and consumer-friendly
• From Mines to Markets: A Social Development Revolution – Will examining whether diamonds can genuinely drive economic progress in producer nations, rather than just enriching corporations
Beyond the Boardroom: A Cultural Push
On January 30, delegates will leave the conference halls to experience a curated desert excursion at Heenat Salma Farm, Al Shaniya. The visit, designed to showcase Qatar’s cultural heritage, includes food tastings, artisan showcases, and workshops — a reminder that the country wants to be more than just a trade hub; it wants to be a destination.
A Defining Moment for the Industry?
As the conference progresses, the industry is left with some difficult, but necessary questions. Can the diamond trade break away from its outdated models? Will sustainability ever become more than just a PR slogan? Can Qatar genuinely carve out a role for itself in a business long controlled by Western financial centres and African mining giants?
Speaking at the event’s opening, Alex Popov, Chairman of the Organising Committee, admitted that pulling this conference together in just three months was a challenge, but he was optimistic about its long-term potential. “We hope this is not just an event, but the beginning of a long and meaningful tradition in Qatar,” he said.
With the diamond trade at a crossroads, DIDGC 2025 has succeeded in asking the right questions. Now, the industry must decide how it answers them.
