Says supply chain integration key to overcoming challenges

6th Dubai City of Gold Conference to be held from April 12-13, 2008

Over 500 delegates expected to attend

International line up of speakers

Dubai, March 15, 2008: In order to overcome the challenges currently facing the jewellery industry, including rising prices, competition from other luxury sectors and changing consumer behaviour, the industry will need to present a united front, improving cooperation across the supply chain. This is the message from the Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group, whose 6th annual Dubai City of Gold conference will be themed 'Value Chain & Integration.'

Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman of Emirates Airlines, the conference is scheduled to take place from April 12-13, 2008, at the Park Hyatt, Dubai. Issues for discussion include the contribution of the industry to national economies, integrated marketing, certification, diamond grading and the future of the coloured stones industry.

"The jewellery industry is witnessing sweeping changes, and it is imperative that we as an industry pull together to share outlooks and possible strategies," said Tawfique Abdullah, Chairman of the Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group. "This is why a forum like Dubai City of Gold is so important. Over two days, we will provide a venue for global players to network, discuss issues and explore next practices. The conference underscores Dubai's status as a hub of the regional and global jewellery industry."

Established in 2003, the Dubai City of Gold Conference is one of the leading events for the global jewellery industry and the only one of its kind in the Middle East & North Africa, one of the fastest growing jewellery markets in the world. The event brings together a diverse group of leaders and experts from all sectors of the industry, including retail, mining, banking, manufacturing and trade associations.

"We expect over 500 delegates from the GCC, Europe, America, the Indian sub-continent and South Africa to attend the conference, along with top international speakers from various sectors of the industry, " said Swapna Nair, General Manager, Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group. "This promises to be a particularly interesting and fruitful conference."

Speakers include Gaetano Cavalieri, President, The World Jewellery Confederation (CIBJO); Andrew Cody, President of International Coloured Stones Association; Ali Mohammed Safar, Director of Directorate of Precious Metals & Gemstone Testing, Bahrain Ministry of Industry & Commerce; Ian MacDonald, Executive Director, Gold and Precious Metals, DMCC; Moaz Barakat, Managing Director, Middle East, Pakistan & Turkey, World Gold Council; Martin Rapaport, Chief Executive Officer, Rapaport Group; David Fernandez, Head of Asia Sovereign Research, JP Morgan Chase Bank; and James Steel, Chief Commodities  Analyst, HSBC Bank.

The 6th Dubai City of Gold Conference is held in association with the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). "The Dubai City of Gold Conference is the single-most significant platform for the global gold trade industry," said DMCC's Ian MacDonald. "So we are happy to support the event for the sixth consecutive year. This year's theme, 'Value chain and Integration,' is timely; as it will address the increasingly important role supply chain management plays in the gold trade. Other issues, such as gold price, retail trends and gold sales, will also be key discussion points at the conference."

Another key sponsor is Transguard Security Services, which considers the gold trade to be an integral part of its business. "People flock to Dubai from all corners of the world to visit our gold and jewellery markets," said Rabie Atie, Manager, Transguard Emirates Group Security. "Gold forms a vital part of the emirate's economic prosperity. We work closely with the region's traders, ensuring the security of their precious commodities through the entire supply chain, and look forward to convening with them again at the Dubai City of Gold Conference to discuss ways to further grow our industry."

Reaffirming its commitment to the jewellery industry, ABN Amro Bank is another key sponsor. "For several years now, the Dubai City of Gold Conference has enjoyed international recognition," said Victor van der Kwast, CEO of the International Diamond & Jewellery Group, ABN AMRO Bank. "As one of the leading banks focusing on diamonds, gold and other precious commodities, we extend our support to the conference. Its theme this year dovetails perfectly with our ambition to support clients across the value chain, helping them grow beyond the boundaries of markets and geographies."  

Standard Bank, World Gold Council, HSBC & National Bank of Dubai are support sponsors of the 6th Dubai City of Gold Conference.

Information on delegate registration for the conference is available on the Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group website www.dubaicityofgold.com. Special travel packages are being organised for overseas delegates. Trade associations can get in touch with Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group by e-mail to conference@dubaicityofgold.ae for exclusive packages.

-Ends-

About Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group (DGJG)
Formed with the support of the Dubai Department of Economic Development in 1996, the Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group (DGJG) is a trade association with over 700 members representing all sectors of the trade, including bullion trade, manufacturing, wholesale and retail.  The Group has since then evolved into a prestigious trade body committed to developing and sustaining Dubai's status as the 'City of Gold'. It also leads the campaign to position Dubai as 'The Jewellery Destination of the World'.

DGJG represents the interests of the trade through liaising with government organizations. Its Board of Directors include representations from Dubai Customs and DSF committee.  The Group also works closely with international organizations like the World Gold Council, the World Diamond Council, the International Gemological Institute (IGI), High Diamond Council (HRD) and CIBJO (The World Jewellery Confederation).

For editorial info, please contact:
Lisa George/Jonathan Tudor,
ASDA'A Public Relations,
Dubai.
E-mail: l.george@asdaa.com/ j.tudor@asdaa.com.
Tel: 0097143344556

Press Release 2008