The Diamond Dialogue: Shaping a Transparent Future for Natural Diamonds

Dubai : a city where gold gleams on every horizon and ambition shines brighter than its skyline once again became the epicentre of brilliance. Beneath its glimmering lights and glass towers, the city hosted a conversation that went far beyond trade. It was a dialogue about trust, authenticity, and the timeless emotion that diamonds carry through generations. The occasion was the inaugural edition of "The Diamond Dialogue", jointly hosted by the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) and the Dubai Jewellery Group (DJG), an initiative that brought together industry leaders to script a new chapter for the natural diamond industry in the UAE.

A Confluence of Integrity and Insight

On November 4, 2025, at the Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers, some of the UAE's most respected names in jewellery gathered for a thought-provoking roundtable. The event marked the continuation of NDC's global mission to strengthen consumer confidence and amplify the narrative around natural diamonds through collaboration, education, and transparent dialogue.

The Natural Diamond Council (NDC), a global not-for-profit representing the entire natural diamond value chain — partnered with the Dubai Jewellery Group (DJG), the region's largest trade body, to create a platform where authenticity met innovation, and tradition met transformation.

At the helm of this dialogue were Richa Singh, Managing Director -India & Middle East, NDC, and Mr. Tawhid Abdullah, CEO, Jawhara Jewellery & Chairman, DJG. Together, they anchored discussions that examined the future of the diamond trade in the UAE and how knowledge, ethics, and collaboration can strengthen the foundation of consumer trust.

"We've always envisioned The Diamond Dialogue as an open and honest conversation that leads to real action. Dubai has been the first market to embrace this initiative and to collaborate with us in moving the conversation forward. It's inspiring to see industry leaders, retailers, and government stakeholders come together with a shared purpose, to strengthen trust, educate consumers, and shape a stronger, more transparent future for natural diamonds." Ms. Richa Singh, Managing Director, Natural Diamond Council.

"Dubai continues to be a beacon for the global jewellery trade, a place where innovation, integrity, and tradition converge. We are the most established jewellery market in the region and are thrilled to have NDC lead this important conversation. The Diamond Dialogue is an important step toward strengthening our collective voice and ensuring we uphold the highest standards of transparency and consumer confidence in natural diamonds" Mr. Tawhid Abdullah, Chairman, Dubai Jewellery Group.

Beyond the Facets: A Dialogue with Depth

"The Diamond Dialogue" was more than an event-it was a reflection of the industry's evolving consciousness. The session opened with an exchange on the growing need for traceability, transparency, and credible consumer communication, especially in an era when luxury is being redefined by values as much as by aesthetics.

Speakers explored the challenges posed by lab-grown diamonds, acknowledging that while technological innovation has opened new avenues, it has also blurred lines of consumer understanding. The consensus that emerged was unequivocal -knowledge is the cornerstone of trust. Natural and lab-grown diamonds, while coexisting in the same marketplace, represent two distinct and parallel narratives, each deserving of honesty and clarity in representation.

Retailers and trade experts agreed that education and transparency must become the industry's guiding lights. The dialogue served as a reminder that every diamond, natural or otherwise narrates a story, and it is the industry's collective responsibility to tell those stories with authenticity and integrity.

Voices That Shape the Future

The roundtable gathered several prominent industry leaders, including K.P. Abdul Salam (Vice Chairman of Malabar Group), Anuraag Sinha (Managing Director at Liali Jewellery), Chandu Siroya (Owner of Siroya Jewellers), and Amit Dhamani (CEO and Managing Director of Dhamani Group). Their perspectives reflected the vibrant diversity of Dubai's jewellery ecosystem, where the pulse of global commerce meets the rhythm of craftsmanship.

The session also featured Mr. Ahmad Ali Moosa, Director of the Consumer Protection Department at the Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), whose insights lent a vital regulatory perspective. He emphasized the importance of building a transparent ecosystem where business ethics align with consumer protection, reinforcing Dubai's reputation as a global benchmark for integrity in trade.

"The session was an excellent platform to identify ways we can strengthen and elevate the diamond industry together. Consumer protection and natural diamonds go hand in hand-transparency is key to building trust and ensuring that consumers keep returning to our market. By working collaboratively, we can create clear guidelines and a streamlined framework that supports the growth of the industry"
Mr. Moosa

Every contributor emphasised the shared understanding that the diamond industry's future rests not only on sales or innovation, but also on a sense of collective responsibility.

An Industry Aligned for Tomorrow

Beyond the discussions, The Diamond Dialogue symbolized a renewed alignment of values between trade bodies, retailers, and consumers. The event underscored that in a marketplace flooded with choice, authenticity is the ultimate differentiator. For retailers, this means leveraging education and storytelling as key tools to connect with a generation that seeks meaning alongside luxury.

The collaboration between NDC and DJG is thus more than strategic; it is philosophical — a shared belief that the brilliance of diamonds lies not only in their beauty but in the integrity of the industry that brings them to life. Together, they have set the stage for ongoing initiatives that will empower jewellers with factual insights, consumer education resources, and marketing support aimed at building confidence and credibility.

When the inaugural Diamond Dialogue came to an end, it became clear that what truly keeps the industry shining isn't cost or status, but its sense of purpose and ethical values.