Doha – Qatar has officially launched the Qatar Diamond Exchange (QDE), a fully integrated and regulated marketplace for trading rough and polished diamonds as well as precious gemstones. The initiative aims to reinforce Doha's position as a regional and global hub for the diamond trade while supporting the country's strategy to diversify its economy beyond the energy sector.
The new exchange is headquartered in the Ras Bufontas Free Zone, bringing together a comprehensive range of services for the diamond industry under one roof. These include trading facilities, membership services, secure storage, diamond certification, valuation, and logistics, creating an integrated business environment for international companies operating in the sector.
World-Class Infrastructure
The Qatar Diamond Exchange features a secure trading floor, private negotiation rooms, institutional-grade vaults equipped with biometric access systems, and round-the-clock security and surveillance. The facility also houses customs offices and certification services, significantly streamlining trade procedures for market participants.
Membership is open to companies involved in diamond trading, cutting, polishing, manufacturing, and related services. Members will benefit from trading licences, independent grading and valuation services, insurance solutions, and the advantages offered by Qatar's free-zone framework, including 100% foreign ownership and tax incentives for eligible businesses.
Connecting African and Asian Producers with Global Buyers
The exchange plans to host regular tenders and auctions for both rough and polished diamonds, creating a direct link between producers in Africa and Asia and buyers across Europe and the Gulf region. The initiative is expected to enhance international trade flows and establish Doha as a new gateway for the global diamond market.
Built on a Strong Regulatory Framework
The launch follows Qatar's successful development of a comprehensive regulatory framework for the diamond trade. The country became a full participant in the Kimberley Process in 2021, while Law No. 15 of 2025 granted the Qatar Free Zones Authority the responsibility for overseeing compliance with the certification system. Under the legislation, Qatar's free zones serve as the country's exclusive legal gateway for the import and export of rough diamonds.
Economic Perspective
The launch of the Qatar Diamond Exchange marks a significant milestone in the Middle East's diamond industry, positioning Doha to compete with established global trading centres such as Dubai, Antwerp, and Mumbai. Qatar is leveraging its strategic geographical location between Africa's diamond-producing nations and the major consumer markets of Asia and Europe.
The project also reflects Qatar's broader ambition to build a fully integrated diamond ecosystem that extends beyond trading to include storage, financing, insurance, auctions, and logistics. This comprehensive approach is expected to attract major mining companies, international traders, and global industry stakeholders seeking a regional base for their operations.
Industry observers believe the exchange's long-term success will depend on its ability to attract leading diamond producers, increase trading volumes, and establish a robust network of members, financial institutions, logistics providers, and insurance companies, enabling Doha to become a prominent player in the global diamond trade in the years ahead.
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