Announcements, policy updates, partnerships and industry perspectives from the Qatar Diamond Exchange and the wider diamond ecosystem.
Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) has announced the Qatar Diamond Exchange (QDE), a fully integrated platform for the trade of rough and polished diamonds and precious stones hosted within Ras Bufontas Free Zone. Bringing together trading, m…
The Qatar Diamond Exchange (QDE) has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Diamond Exchange of Singapore, the Shanghai Diamond Exchange and the Tokyo Diamond Exchange during the 41st World Diamond Congress in Singapore. The agre…
The Qatar Diamond Exchange (QDE) has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Diamond Exchange of Singapore, the Shanghai Diamond Exchange and the Tokyo Diamond Exchange during the 41st World Diamond Congress in Singapore. The agreements reflect QDE’s strategic focus on developing closer relationships with established diamond markets across Asia and creating new opportunities for trade and cooperation between Qatar and the region.Each MoU was signed by Ghanim Nasser Al Saadi, Director of the Qatar Diamond Exchange, and the respective president of the partner bourse: Fabio Cascapera, President of the Diamond Exchange of Singapore; Lin Qiang, President of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange; and Michio Iwasaki, President of the Tokyo Diamond Exchange.The agreements establish frameworks for QDE and the partner exchanges to foster business connections between their respective members, encourage commercial relationships and mutual introductions, and pursue broader areas of cooperation. They will also support bilateral visits and reciprocal participation in industry events, tenders, auctions, viewings and other activities organized or hosted by the exchanges.The partnerships aim to enhance consumer confidence in natural diamonds and precious stones and encourage adherence to recognized industry standards and initiatives, including the World Diamond Council’s System of Warranties and those led by the Responsible Jewellery Council.Ghanim Nasser Al-Saadi, Director of the Qatar Diamond Exchange, Said: “These new partnerships mark a concrete step in expanding QDE’s engagement across Asia. By creating direct links between our members and bourses in Singapore, Shanghai and Tokyo, we are opening new channels for trade, investment and industry collaboration. The partnerships also reinforce Doha’s potential to serve as a trusted gateway connecting Asian diamond markets with the wider international trade, supported by transparency, responsible practices and internationally recognized standards.”Ghanim Nasser Al-Saadi, Director of the Qatar Diamond Exchange, Said: “These new partnerships mark a concrete step in expanding QDE’s engagement across Asia. By creating direct links between our members and bourses in Singapore, Shanghai and Tokyo, we are opening new channels for trade, investment and industry collaboration. The partnerships also reinforce Doha’s potential to serve as a trusted gateway connecting Asian diamond markets with the wider international trade, supported by transparency, responsible practices and internationally recognized standards.”Lin Qiang, President of the Shanghai Diamond Exchange, said:“The Shanghai Diamond Exchange has always valued international exchange and cooperation as essential to the healthy development of the diamond industry. This MoU with QDE will help bring our members and markets closer, facilitate practical commercial engagement and create new opportunities for mutual benefit. We look forward to building a long-term relationship that strengthens connections between China, Qatar and the global diamond trade.”Michio Iwasaki, President of the Tokyo Diamond Exchange, said: “The diamond trade depends on trust, transparency and confidence. Through this partnership with QDE, we look forward to strengthening ties between our members, creating new opportunities for collaboration and helping uphold the integrity of the industry. We believe this cooperation can contribute to a stronger and more trusted international market for natural diamonds.” Launched in July 2026 and based at Ras Bufontas Free Zone, QDE provides an integrated, regulated platform for diamond trading and related industry services. It connects Doha with international diamond markets while supporting the growth of Qatar’s diamond and precious stones sector and the country’s economic diversification ambitions under Qatar National Vision 2030. For more information or to register your interest in QDE, visit qde.qa.
The Qatar Diamond Exchange (QDE) has officially been admitted as a member of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), the body that unites the world's leading diamond bourses under common trading rules and a shared code of conduct. Its membership was announced at the 41st World Diamond Congress, convened by the WFDB together with the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) in Singapore from 12 to 15 July 2026 and hosted by the Diamond Exchange of Singapore.Mehul Shah, President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, said: "The WFDB is delighted to welcome the Qatar Diamond Exchange as a member. Qatar has real potential in diamonds with a friendly, business-first policy environment, strong buying power, and an excellent geographical location. We wish QDE every success and look forward to the 2027 Presidents' Meeting in Qatar."Qatar has been part of the global diamond ecosystem since 2021, when the State joined the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme as a full participant. WFDB membership now builds a new trade bridge between Qatar and the industry's principal markets. For the Exchange itself, it is recognition from the world's bourses. QDE takes its place in the federation's global network of member exchanges. Companies trading in QDE gain reciprocal recognition across the federation's bourses, access to its arbitration framework, and the assurance that trade in Qatar is conducted under the WFDB Code of Conduct. In a further endorsement, the WFDB nominated Qatar to host its 2027 Annual Presidents' Meeting, bringing the leadership of the world's diamond bourses to Qatar for the first time.Ghanim Nasser Al-Saadi, Director of the Qatar Diamond Exchange, commented: "There is no higher compliment in this trade than the world's bourses opening their doors to you. Membership of the WFDB means QDE now trades to the same world standard as the industry's leading centres. That is the real value of this recognition. They have looked at our exchange, our standards, and our people, and welcomed us as one of their own. Being nominated to host the 2027 Presidents' Meeting is a responsibility we welcome; next year the leadership of the global diamond industry will see Qatar's exchange first-hand."The announcement builds on QDE’s recent admission to the World Diamond Council (WDC), the organisation that represents the diamond industry within the Kimberley Process. With both memberships in place, QDE operates in line with the WDC System of Warranties and the WFDB Code of Conduct across all its activities.Formally announced earlier this week, the Qatar Diamond Exchange opens a new trade sector for Qatar, connecting the country to the global diamond industry in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. QDE operates as a single regulated platform that offers a secure trading floor, private negotiation suites, an institutional-grade vault with 24/7 on-site security, and on-site customs and Kimberley Process certification. All located at Ras Bufontas Free Zone, adjacent to Hamad International Airport.For more information and to apply for membership, visit qde.qa.
Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) has announced the Qatar Diamond Exchange (QDE), a fully integrated platform for the trade of rough and polished diamonds and precious stones hosted within Ras Bufontas Free Zone. Bringing together trading, membership, vaulting, certification, and industry services within a single regulated ecosystem, QDE establishes a new gateway for global diamond trade in Qatar, connecting Doha to international diamond markets and advancing economic diversification under Qatar National Vision 2030.Qatar became a full participant in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) in 2021, reaffirming the State's commitment to the responsible and transparent trade of conflict-free rough diamonds. Implemented through Law No. (15) of 2025, Qatar's Kimberley Process framework designates QFZ as the State's competent authority and establishes Qatar's free zones as the sole legitimate entry and exit point for rough diamonds. QDE provides the regulated platform through which members can trade, store, certify, and transact within Qatar's diamond ecosystem.QDE operates as a single regulated platform with a secure trading floor, private negotiation suites, an institutional-grade vault with biometric access control, 24/7 on-site security and surveillance, and on-site customs and certification facilities, providing members with a seamless and secure environment in which to conduct business. H.E. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Faisal Al-Thani, Chief Executive Officer of Qatar Free Zones Authority and Chairman of the Qatar Diamond Exchange, commented: "The Qatar Diamond Exchange represents an important step in Qatar's efforts to further diversify its economy and strengthen its position as a trusted participant in global diamond trade. Building on Qatar's participation in the Kimberley Process since 2021, we have established the regulatory and institutional foundations needed to support the growth of a new strategic sector for the State. Through QDE, we are bringing together the full diamond and precious stones value chain within a single regulated ecosystem spanning trading, storage, vaulting, auctions and tenders, and industry support services." Membership of the Exchange is open to companies that trade, manufacture, cut and polish diamonds, alongside affiliate service providers and industry bodies. Members gain access to trading licences, on-site assortment and independent valuation, vault access, and specialist insurance all within a free zone offering 100% foreign ownership and 0% corporate tax for qualifying entities. A curated calendar of rough and polished tenders will connect producers across Africa and Asia with buyers in Europe and the Gulf.For more information and to apply for membership, visit qde.qa.
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