Qatar Diamond Exchange Joins World Federation of Diamond Bourses, Strengthening Middle East’s Role in Global Diamond Trade

Date (31.07.26)

The global diamond trade welcomed a new milestone this July as the Qatar Diamond Exchange (QDE) was officially admitted to the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), becoming part of the federation’s international network of diamond exchanges operating under a common framework of ethics, governance and trade standards.

The announcement was made during the 41st World Diamond Congress, held in Singapore from 12–15 July 2026, where representatives from the WFDB and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA) gathered to discuss the future of the global diamond industry.

With its admission, the Qatar Diamond Exchange becomes one of the 27 member bourses across five continents recognised by the WFDB. Membership enables companies trading through QDE to access the federation’s arbitration framework, benefit from reciprocal recognition across member exchanges and conduct business under the WFDB’s Code of Conduct—an important benchmark for transparency and responsible trade.

Commenting on the development, Mehul Shah, President of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses, said Qatar possesses significant potential as a diamond trading centre, citing its business-friendly environment, strategic geographical location and growing market opportunities. He also welcomed Qatar’s selection as host of the 2027 WFDB Presidents’ Meeting, which will bring the leadership of the world’s diamond bourses to the country for the first time.

Qatar’s integration into the global diamond ecosystem has gathered pace in recent years. The country became a full participant in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KP) in 2021, strengthening its role in the international trade of rough diamonds. More recently, the Qatar Diamond Exchange also joined the World Diamond Council (WDC), enabling it to operate in alignment with both the WDC System of Warranties and the WFDB Code of Conduct.

“This recognition reflects the standards we have built and the confidence the global diamond industry has placed in our exchange,” said Ghanim Nasser Al-Saadi, Director of the Qatar Diamond Exchange, adding that hosting the 2027 Presidents’ Meeting would provide an opportunity to showcase Qatar’s growing position within the international diamond trade.

The development follows the formal launch of the Qatar Diamond Exchange earlier this year. Located within the Ras Bufontas Free Zone, adjacent to Hamad International Airport, the exchange has been established as a regulated trading platform featuring secure trading facilities, private negotiation suites, institutional-grade vaulting, on-site customs services and Kimberley Process certification.

Market Insight

The admission of the Qatar Diamond Exchange into the World Federation of Diamond Bourses signals more than the addition of another trading centre—it reflects the continued geographical diversification of the global diamond industry.

For decades, the international diamond trade has been anchored by established hubs such as Antwerp, Mumbai, Dubai, Tel Aviv and New York. Qatar’s entry into the WFDB network highlights the Middle East’s growing ambition to play a larger role in facilitating global diamond commerce through modern infrastructure, regulatory alignment and strategic connectivity.

For India’s diamond industry—one of the world’s largest manufacturing and trading centres—the emergence of another internationally recognised trading hub presents fresh opportunities for cross-border collaboration, market access and regional trade. As supply chains continue to evolve, the industry’s next phase of growth is likely to be shaped not only by demand, but also by the strength and reach of its global trading ecosystem.

Source: World Federation of Diamond Bourses and Qatar Diamond Exchange announcements. Edited by the Jewellers Digest editorial team for clarity, style and context.