The Dubai Pearl Exchange, a subsidiary of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, announced that it would host a World Pearl Forum, with the objective of bringing together the global pearl sector, and addressing ways to grow the worldwide market for pearl jewelry.

The initiative, sponsored by global investment company Dubai World, is in accordance with DMCC’s continuing effort to revitalize the global pearl trade, and build on Dubai’s historic status as the pearl center of the Gulf. The event will be held at the Atlantis hotel, Palm Jumeirah from Fe. 17-18, 2009.  The World Pearl Forum will see participation from more than 200 leading pearl specialists from across the world. Senior representatives from pearl producers, national pearl bodies, certification specialists, and jewelry trade experts will gather in Dubai—one of the first pearl capitals of the world—to address the opportunities and debate the latest challenges in the global pearl sector.

“There is currently an unprecedented opportunity for Dubai to take a leadership role in shaping the global pearl sector, while at the same time underscoring Dubai’s heritage as the traditional pearl capital of the world,” said Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai World and executive chairman of DMCC. “Globally pearls have witnessed a recent resurgence, and Dubai needs to leverage this development to drive international interest in pearl trading.”

He continued, “The objective behind the first-ever World Pearl Forum is to create a long-term platform for international debate on how to further develop the pearl sector globally through a cohesive approach to educating consumers and fostering demand for pearls.  Through the Forum, the Dubai Pearl Exchange plans to unite the industry by highlighting areas of opportunity as well as identifying integrated programs that will involve all stakeholders of the global pearl trade.”

The inaugural World Pearl Forum will address several fundamental issues including the need for greater consumer understanding about the value of pearls, and ways in which the industry must unite to drive consumer demand. Pearl producers and government pearling bodies are also expected to present case studies on their growth and strategies to increase pearl sales.

The event is also sponsored by jewelry companies Rosy Blue and Damas. Confirmed speakers for the conference include Nicholas Paspaley, executive chairman, Paspaley; Robert Wan, chairman, Robert Wan Tahiti; Noriyuki Morita, president, K. Mikimoto & Co., Ltd.; Robert Cepek, managing director, Iridesse (part of Tiffany & Co.); and Jack Ogden, chief executive, Gemological Association of Great Britain.

Caption: Pictured (from left) Farid Mohammed Ahmed, secretary general of Dubai World, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, chairman of Dubai World and executive chairman of DMCC, and Gaiti Rabbani, DMCC executive director, Colored Stones and Pearls.

JCK