150+ delegates confirmed for inaugural World Pearl Forum

Attendees from Tahiti to Bahrain converge to hear global pearl experts

The inaugural World Pearl Forum, organised by the Dubai Pearl Exchange, a subsidiary of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), will see participation from more than 150 delegates from leading pearl producing nations. The World Pearl Forum which is supported by Dubai World, will be held on February 17 and 18 at the Atlantis Hotel, Palm Jumeirah. It will host 22 pearl experts from the US to China, highlighting initiatives to consolidate the fragmented global pearl sector, for increased growth potential in 2009 and beyond.

The World Pearl Forum will see participation from senior representatives from pearl producers, national pearl bodies, certification specialists and jewellery trade experts. The forum will address several fundamental issues, providing participants with the opportunity to debate the latest challenges in the global pearl sector. 

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC said, “In addition to strong international attendance, we are honoured that HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, is extending her patronage for the first-ever World Pearl Forum. Her presence and participation truly epitomises our objective in revitalising Dubai’s ancient pearling heritage in a contemporary manner, strengthening the Emirate’s leadership role in shaping the global pearl sector. It also underlines the support that this project continues to receive from the Government of Dubai.”

While generating specific solutions and an industry call to action in light of the current economic downturn in luxury goods, a core objective of the World Pearl Forum is to highlight the importance of reviving the global pearl trade, and focus on revitalising Dubai’s historic status as a pearl trading hub.

 “Despite challenging financial conditions, the world’s most significant pearl producers are joining traders, industry experts, and other pearl stakeholders in Dubai next month to speak candidly about the state of the industry and how to collaborate more closely to create visibility and opportunity for this commodity.    When we designed and launched the inaugural Forum, the world was a very different place, and today’s reality calls for industry collaboration more than ever before. The programme will highlight and address the very concerns that face luxury industries across the world,” said Gaiti Rabbani, Executive Director - Coloured Stones & Pearls, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC).

Less than a century ago, pearling was a key industry for Arabia, accounting for some 80,000 jobs in the UAE alone and representing 95 per cent of the country’s total revenues. Dubai Pearl Exchange’s objective is to develop the global and regional pearl market with specific focus on trading, grading, trade events and auctions alongside trade and consumer education. The World Pearl Forum represents just one component of Dubai’s comprehensive pearl strategy to revive the region’s historic legacy for the benefit of future generations.

© 2009 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)