The region’s first-ever dedicated coloured stones trade fair will be held in Dubai from 13th -15th October 2008, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), a Dubai government initiative, announced.

ICA International Gem Fair Dubai 2008, which will be held under the patronage of the DMCC, is being organised by the International Coloured Gemstone Association (ICA) and supported by the Middle East GemBureau.
The event is expected to attract a diverse range of participants from across the value chain of the global coloured stones industry. Over 150 exhibitors from the Middle East, Thailand, India, China, Hong Kong, Brazil, Australia, USA, Germany and Japan are expected to participate.
ICA is a non-profit trade association, representing the international coloured gemstone industry in 46 countries worldwide. With over 500 members, it partners with industry bodies and organisations to foster growth and networking opportunities in the coloured stones industry. 
ICA president Andrew Cody commented that Dubai had established itself as a prominent international centre for the precious commodities trade. The emirate’s geographical advantage located amidst international trade flows, its ease of doing business and its commitment to playing a crucial role in boosting the commodity trade made it a natural choice for a dedicated trade fair. 
“Capitalising on Dubai’s established and prospering retail jewellery industry, we are confident that the ICA International Gem Fair will evolve into an important highlight in the calendar of the global coloured stones industry,” he said.
Gaiti Rabbani, executive director, Coloured Stones and Pearls division, DMCC, remarked that the ICA Gem Fair would effectively fill the gap in the current product offering for the regional trade and enable the growth of the physical trade in coloured gemstones in Dubai.
“DMCC launched its own dedicated Coloured Stones and Pearls division last year not only to complement its existing commodities portfolio but also to capitalise upon what we believed to be a strong growth sector. The outlook for the coloured stones trade has never been brighter – and this event will help shine the global spotlight on the business opportunities across the Middle East and here in Dubai,” said Rabbani.
Last year, DMCC supported ICA in establishing a Middle East GemBureau.