Qatar Diamond Exchange (QDE) and the London Diamond Bourse (LDB) have signed a memorandum of understanding establishing a strategic partnership to strengthen commercial connections between diamond traders in Qatar and the United Kingdom.The agreement, announced on October 28, was signed in London by Ghanim Al-Saadi, Director of the Qatar Diamond Exchange, and Charlotte Rose, President of the London Diamond Bourse. It establishes a framework for cooperation covering diamond trading, business introductions, industry events and the promotion of recognised standards across both markets.
The non-binding memorandum enables the exchanges to facilitate direct contacts between their members, encourage commercial relationships and identify opportunities for collaboration. Both organisations will support reciprocal visits and participation in tenders, auctions, diamond viewings and other trading activities hosted by either exchange.
The partnership covers natural diamonds, precious stones and jewellery, with particular emphasis on improving access to established trading networks. QDE intends to use its relationship with the London bourse to broaden opportunities for members seeking international commercial partnerships.
The agreement does not establish binding trading commitments, investment targets or guaranteed transaction volumes. Its immediate significance lies in creating formal channels through which businesses operating within the two exchanges can establish contacts and explore commercial opportunities.
Al-Saadi described London as an established centre for international diamond trading and said the agreement would support QDE's efforts to develop its international network.
"Through this cooperation, we aim to create new opportunities for our members to access international markets, strengthen commercial relationships and support our ambition to position Qatar as a trusted and well-connected hub for the global diamond trade," he said.
Rose said the arrangement would help connect established diamond trading centres with emerging markets while maintaining industry standards. She identified Qatar as an opportunity for London-based traders seeking stronger engagement with the Gulf region.
The London Diamond Bourse president said the partnership would provide members with a framework for exploring commercial opportunities and exchanging industry expertise. She also emphasised the importance of maintaining confidence and established practices across international diamond markets.
Consumer confidence forms another component of the memorandum. Both exchanges intend to support international and domestic initiatives promoting confidence in natural diamonds and coloured gemstones, alongside adherence to recognised industry standards.
These include the World Diamond Council's System of Warranties and initiatives associated with the Responsible Jewellery Council. The organisations provide industry frameworks addressing responsible business practices and assurances within the diamond and jewellery supply chains.
The System of Warranties supports responsible trading through declarations accompanying diamond transactions. Its inclusion in the agreement reflects the exchanges' stated intention to encourage recognised practices as commercial connections between their memberships develop.
The memorandum does not announce a separate certification programme or new regulatory requirements. Instead, it identifies existing industry frameworks as reference points for cooperation, leaving the practical arrangements for engagement between the two organisations to develop through their partnership.
The London agreement adds another European connection to QDE's international network. Earlier this year, the exchange established similar cooperation arrangements with Borsa Diamanti d'Italia, the Diamond Exchange of Singapore, the Shanghai Diamond Exchange, the Tokyo Diamond Exchange and the Diamond Federation of Hong Kong, China.
Those agreements follow a comparable approach of encouraging business introductions, reciprocal industry participation and cooperation between exchange members. The London partnership extends that programme to another established diamond trading centre, complementing QDE's connections across European and Asian markets.
QDE was launched in July 2026 as a diamond trading platform operating within Qatar's Ras Bufontas Free Zone. The exchange was established to support trading in rough and polished diamonds and precious stones, alongside related commercial services.
The platform forms part of Qatar's efforts to develop specialised trading activities and attract international businesses through its free zone infrastructure. Its international agreements are intended to connect participating businesses with counterparties operating in established diamond markets.
QDE's cooperation with the Italian bourse was formalised during the World Jewellery Confederation's centenary congress in Vicenza in September. That agreement also provided for reciprocal visits, industry participation and cooperation on recognised standards.
The exchange's agreements with Singapore, Shanghai and Tokyo were signed during the 41st World Diamond Congress in Singapore in August. Those partnerships established channels for commercial introductions and exchanges between members across the participating markets.
Under the London memorandum, the two organisations will encourage their respective members to participate in industry events and trading activities organised by either bourse, including auctions, tenders and viewings, as opportunities become available through their established networks.
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