The ICA International Gem Show Dubai 2008 opened today bringing together over 100 exhibitors from the coloured stones industry from more than 20 countries.

Held for the first time in the Middle East, this three-day exhibition held under the patronage of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), is being organised by the International Coloured Gemstone Association (ICA) and supported by the Middle East GemBureau.

The show features major gemstones buyers and manufacturers from Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey Russia and the USA.

Exhibitors have to be members of ICA or Dubai Gems Club and sign an ethics agreement, a step which is being taken to foster buyer confidence, said a statement.

While the first two days are dedicated to trade, a consumer day will be conducted on the last day of the exhibition where the general public can view and purchase jewellery pieces.

'We are very pleased with the response received for this gem show which underlines Dubai’s position as a new global hub for the trade of cut and rough coloured gemstones,' said Gaiti Rabbani, executive director, Coloured Stones and Pearls Division, DMCC.

ICA is a non-profit trade association, representing the international coloured gemstone industry in 46 countries worldwide. With over 500 members, ICA partners with industry bodies and organisations to foster growth and networking opportunities in the coloured stones industry. 

'Being strategically located amidst international trade flows, Dubai has emerged as an important centre for precious commodities trade,' said Andrew Cody, President of the ICA.

“Devised on a format that is completely different from other trade fairs, the event provides a professional networking environment for creating long-term business partnerships from across the value chain of the global coloured stones industry. This will be a compact and luxurious show where buyers will have confidence that they are dealing with ethical traders,” Cody added.-TradeArabia News Service