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Qatar News Agency reported that the Qatar Diamond Exchange signed strategic memorandums of understanding with three leading Asian diamond bourses on August 17, 2026. The signing took place at the 41st World Diamond Congress in Singapore, with Ghanim Nasser Al Saadi representing the QDE alongside the presidents of the partner organizations. The partner organizations are the Diamond Exchange of Singapore, the Shanghai Diamond Exchange and the Tokyo Diamond Exchange, whose leaders joined in the agreements aimed at expanding business links across the value chain.
The Qatar News Agency report detailed that the MoUs are designed to encourage commercial relationships, mutual business introductions and ongoing cooperation, including through bilateral visits and joint participation in tenders, auctions and viewings. They also seek to promote consumer confidence in natural diamonds and precious stones by upholding key industry standards. A World Diamond Council assessment found that the natural diamond industry supports 10 million livelihoods globally while directing up to 80 percent of rough diamond value back into producing communities via jobs, infrastructure and social programs.
According to Fortune Business Insights, the global diamond market is set to expand from 106.76 billion dollars in 2026 to 153.1 billion dollars in 2034, registering a compound annual growth rate of 4.6 percent. Ghanim Nasser Al Saadi said, “These new partnerships mark a concrete step in expanding QDE’s engagement across Asia reinforcing Doha’s potential as trusted gateway supported by transparency responsible practices.” The director’s comments underscore the role of transparency in positioning Doha as a key hub.
The partner exchange presidents also commented on the deals through the Qatar News Agency. Fabio Cascapera said, “This MoU will create meaningful opportunities strengthen confidence in natural diamonds more connected resilient future.” Lin Qiang said, “This MoU help bring members markets closer facilitate practical commercial engagement long-term relationship strengthens connections between China Qatar global diamond trade.” Michio Iwasaki emphasized the importance of trust, transparency and confidence to generate new opportunities and uphold market integrity.
The Qatar Diamond Exchange launched in July 2026 at Ras Bufontas Free Zone to offer a regulated platform for diamond trading and services. It connects the Qatari capital to international markets and contributes to sector development and economic diversification. The General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers noted that Qatar National Vision 2030 focuses on building a diversified non-oil economy with sustainable growth and increased private sector participation.
Further cooperation under the MoUs is expected to include reciprocal event participation that could benefit all parties in the diamond value chain. The agreements reflect collaboration among global diamond centers to maintain high standards in trading practices. World Diamond Council data shows that responsible practices have helped reduce conflict diamonds to less than 1 percent of global production.
