The Dubai Pearl Exchange, a subsidiary of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), announced that it would host the first-ever World Pearl Forum, with the objective of bringing together the global pearl sector, and addressing ways to grow the worldwide market for pearl jewellery. The initiative, sponsored by Dubai World, is in accordance with DMCC’s continuing effort to revitalise the global pearl trade, and build on Dubai’s historic status as the pearl centre of the Gulf. The event will be held at the Atlantis hotel, Palm Jumeirah from 17-18 February, 2009.

The World Pearl Forum will see participation from more than 200 leading pearl specialists from across the world. Senior representatives from pearl producers, national pearl bodies, certification specialists and jewellery trade experts will gather in Dubai – one of the first pearl capitals of the world - to address the opportunities and debate the latest challenges in the global pearl sector.

“There is currently an unprecedented opportunity for Dubai to take a leadership role in shaping the global pearl sector, while at the same time underscoring Dubai’s heritage as the traditional pearl capital of the world,” said HE Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, Dubai World. “Globally pearls have witnessed a recent resurgence, and Dubai needs to leverage this development to drive international interest in pearl trading. Initiatives like the World Pearl Forum will undoubtedly reposition Dubai at the heart of this industry.”

Pearls presently represent about two per cent of the global jewellery trade, but studies show that the pearl trade has significant growth potential if all players collaborate to promote consumer awareness for the gem.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC said: “The objective behind the first-ever World Pearl Forum is to create a long-term platform for international debate on how to further develop the pearl sector globally, through a cohesive approach to educating consumers and fostering demand for pearls. Through the Forum, the Dubai Pearl Exchange plans to unite the industry by highlighting areas of opportunity as well as identifying integrated programmes that will involve all stakeholders of the global pearl trade.”

The inaugural World Pearl Forum will address several fundamental issues including the critical need for greater consumer understanding about the value of pearls, and ways in which the industry must unite to drive consumer demand. Pearl producers and government pearling bodies are also expected to present case studies on their growth and strategies to increase pearl sales.

“Speakers, supporters and attendees of the inaugural World Pearl Forum have a unique opportunity to help shape the global pearl industry going forward, through frank discussions about how to advance pearls as gems and increase the size of the sector. We anticipate that this event will galvanise the key members of the pearl trade to better represent the luxury, value, and economic potential of the pearl itself,” said Gaiti Rabbani, Executive Director, Coloured Stones and Pearls, DMCC.

The World Pearl Forum concept has already garnered credibility from some of the world’s most successful players in the pearl sector, with confirmed speakers including Nicholas Paspaley, Executive Chairman – Paspaley, Robert Wan, Chairman – Robert Wan Tahiti, Noriyuki Morita, President - K. Mikimoto & Co., Ltd., Robert Cepek, Managing Director – Iridesse (part of Tiffany & Co.) and Dr. Jack Ogden, Chief Executive – Gemological Association of Great Britain. The event is also supported by Rosy Blue and Damas, two leading global jewellery companies.