UAE to expand diamond trade links between African producers and Asian markets

The UAE is working to strengthen diamond trade connectivity between African producing countries and manufacturing centres in India and Asia, Minister of Economy and Tourism Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said on 27 October 2026. The minister outlined the strategy at the Dubai Diamond Conference hosted by Dubai Multi Commodities Centre.

Dubai diamond trade reached $41.7 billion in 2025#

Dubai's total diamond trade value reached $41.7 billion in 2025, an increase of 16.2 percent from the previous year, according to Dubai Customs data. Natural diamonds accounted for 95.8 percent of total trade. Since 2020, total diamond trade through Dubai has increased 139 percent in value and 100 percent in volume, the customs figures show. Polished diamond trade value rose 246 percent over the same period, with the average value per carat increasing eight to nine times, DMCC chief Ahmed Bin Sulayem said in a keynote speech at the conference.

DMCC agreements with Botswana and London bourses#

DMCC signed an agreement with Botswana Stock Exchange Group to establish Africa's first multi-commodity sister hub linking Dubai with Gaborone, the capital of Botswana. The arrangement is intended to widen investment links and give Gaborone access to global markets through Dubai. The Dubai Diamond Exchange, operated by DMCC, also signed with the London Diamond Bourse to strengthen cooperation between the two bourses and expand opportunities for their respective members.

Hafeet Rail construction reaches 40 percent completion#

The Hafeet Rail project connecting Oman's Sohar region with the UAE's national rail network reached 40 percent completion in April 2026, according to an announcement from Etihad Rail. The 238-kilometre cross-border railway is under construction across Al Ain, Al Buraimi, Wadi Al Jizzi and Sohar. Passenger trains are planned to reach speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour, with each train accommodating up to 400 people. The proposed journey between Sohar and Al Ain is expected to take approximately 47 minutes, while travel between Sohar and Abu Dhabi could take around 100 minutes. No passenger inauguration date or fare schedule has been announced.

Minister sets out value retention objective for producing countries#

The minister said stronger trade ties should bring investment, skills and financing to producing countries, allowing them to retain more value in their own economies. The UAE connects producing nations in Africa with manufacturing centres in India and Asia and consumer markets globally, he said. Dubai's role in the diamond industry has expanded over two decades from rough diamond trade to polished diamond trading, the minister said at the conference.