15 January 2005
Huge response reflects trust in the future of the diamond industry in Dubai

Dubai: DMCC has witnessed a phenomenal response with its prestigious freehold commercial property, the Almas Tower, completely selling out in just one day.

The DMCC offered businesses a 100% ownership as a free zone company and ownership of business premises on a freehold basis.  Commercial space in the tower was initially limited to companies registered as DMCC members engaged in the gold, diamonds and commodities trade.  Total sellable area in the Almas Tower was over 725,000 square feet and was sold over a number of clients including leading international businesses Rosy Blue, GIA, Eurostar, the Love Diamond Company, Tache and Kristall along with leading regional players Damas, Taiba and Al Romaizan within the gold and diamond sector.

Commenting on this overwhelming response, Mr. Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chief Operating Officer, DMCC said, "The immense response is indicative of the market trust both within and outside the region in the future of Dubai as a key hub in the trade of gold, diamonds and commodities."

David Rutledge, CEO of the DMCC, commented: "We are thrilled by the strong interest in this property. We see this development first and foremost as an indication that our strategy to create a viable and efficient infrastructure for our member companies is working, and that market participants around the globe have recognized the future potential of Dubai as an emerging hub for the diamond, gold and commodities sectors. We will now explore additional opportunities to accommodate the increasing number of market participants interested in establishing presence in Dubai. via DMCC"

Almas Tower, meaning 'diamond' in Arabic is a 65-storey tower located at the heart of DMCC's 300-hectare development, overlooking more than 80 surrounding towers of the Jumeirah Lake Towers project. The tower was purpose-built for regional and international diamond businesses, and features vaulting facilities, advanced security and IT infrastructure, retail outlets, cafes and restaurants and business centre facilities. The tower will also become the permanent home for the Dubai Diamond Exchange.

The Dubai Metals and Commodities Centre (DMCC) was created in 2002 as part of a strategic goal by the Dubai Government to establish a commodity market. It provides the market infrastructure that brings together a wide range of commodities activities, and is committed to serve the needs of participants in the gold, diamonds and commodities markets. Residents are offered highly attractive benefits under a free zone status, including a 50-year guaranteed tax holiday, 100 percent ownership, full ownership of business premises, and secure regulated environment.

-Ends-

For further information on DMCC, please contact
Karim Chrobog or Ashraf Al Shakaa
Bates PanGulf PR
Tel: +971-4-295 3456
Fax: +971-4-295 1027
Email: karim@batespangulf.com

Press Release 2005