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GDP seminar helps enhance Dubai's role as centre for gold

"The response to the seminar has been overwhelming with representatives from all related sectors showing a considerable interest in working together to achieve common objectives," said Mohammed Al Falasi, manager-Property Management, Emaar Properties. "The seminar, besides helping to reinforce the role of the Gold and Diamond Park in contributing to the establishment of Dubai as the leading retail centre for gold, has also paved the way for several other initiatives that will enable world-class names in areas such as gold and diamond retailing, manufacturing, refining and assaying to further enhance their presence here," he said..

The seminar, held to promote Dubai as a city of gold, diamonds and pearls, attracted over 80 tour operators and hotel representatives from across the emirate reiterating Dubai's position as a market leader in the industry.

Participants were provided an overview on the history of gold in Dubai, the emirate's gold re-exportation market, the impact of the gold industry on the park and plans for the future promotion of the industry. Dubai today has earned the reputation of being a manufacturing base of gold, something which the participation of associations such as the World Gold Council and the Diamond High Council at the seminar endorsed further.

"The GDP is constantly on the lookout for ways to enhance and upgrade the services that are provided to our in-house trading outlets and the presence of the Alec Stewart Assaying facility ensures that the park is a benchmark for quality and excellence in the trade," said Manan Desai, centre manager of the Gold and Diamond Park. "We are committed to investing in initiatives that strengthen the relationships between our resident retailers and other related sectors that share our development objectives," he said. During the seminar, Mohammed Badri, from Dubai Central Laboratory, said that data published in a recent study on gold adulteration shows that there has been a definite decrease in the level of contamination. However, Badri urged consumers to invest only in stamped pieces of jewellery to ensure its authenticity.

Speakers at the event also included Monisha Macleod from the World Gold Council who outlined the growth patterns in gold sales and Nathalie Habib from the Diamond Promotion Services who gave a comprehensive presentation on the various aspects of diamonds including carat age, colour and authenticity. Michele Sabti of DTCM Training Solution acted as the ambassadress of the evening, which ended with a draw for a diamond ring, won by an employee of the Dusit Dubai Hotel.