FinancialsMar 19, 2026
Signet Jewelers to Close 100 Stores, Shutter James Allen BannerThe jewelry retailer announced changes to its store network and brand portfolio during its fourth-quarter earnings call.
SourcingNov 30, 2017
Ahmed Bin Sulayem to Be Chairman of Dubai Diamond Exchange
He will assume the role on Jan. 31 as Peter Meeus departs.
As Executive Chairman of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, Ahmed Bin Sulayem has helped to create the infrastructure necessary for the Dubai Diamond Exchange. He now assumes the position of chairman of the latter organization.
Dubai--The Dubai Diamond Exchange confirmed Wednesday that Ahmed Bin Sulayem will succeed Peter Meeus as its chairman, effective Jan. 31.
The DDE sits under the umbrella of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), and Bin Sulayem is currently the executive chairman of the latter, where for more than 12 years he has been responsible for implementing the necessary infrastructure for the diamond marketplace to succeed in Dubai.
Over that time, in which Meeus also served as chairman of the DDE, Dubai has become a global trading hub for rough and polished stones.
In 2003, the emirate handled trade of $3.5 billion worth of diamonds. The DDE was created in 2004, and last year, Dubai traded $26 billion worth of diamonds, according to the DMCC.
Bin Sulayem commented in a DMCC release to press, “The opportunities and challenges for the Dubai Diamond Exchange are of a different nature going forward. In the past 12 years, we built the foundation of a solid exchange, attracting over 1,000 members operating out of the Almas Tower.
“Not only do we want to consolidate this position, but it is also our ambition to grow further and make Dubai a unique and interconnected hub with the rest of the world. Our proximity to Africa as well as the unique logistical infrastructure which Emirates Airlines provides to hundreds of destinations world-wide is crucial in the development of Dubai as a leading diamond centre.”
Meeus said, “I have been extremely privileged to work in such a dynamic environment as Dubai for the last 12 years. With the help of the Dubai government, we have been able to establish a unique facility which today is one of the top three trading centers of diamonds in the world.
“This has been an extraordinary experience with many challenges, especially when the financial crisis hit us in 2008, but Dubai has shown its resilience and flexibility to come through even from the worst possible situations. I am convinced that the Dubai Diamond Exchange has a great future ahead and I’m proud to have been able to participate
in its growth since its inception.”
The DDE houses more than 1,000 regional and international diamond and gem companies at the Almas Tower in Dubai. Membership in the diamond bourse is compulsory for any members of the DMCC who deal in diamonds, gemstones or jewelry production.
Peter Meeus will stay involved in the DDE in the near future as honorary chairman.
The DDE houses more than 1,000 regional and international diamond and gem companies at the Almas Tower in Dubai. Membership in the diamond bourse is compulsory for any members of the DMCC who deal in diamonds, gemstones or jewelry production.
Peter Meeus will stay involved in the DDE in the near future as honorary chairman.
More on Sourcing
The Latest
SurveysMar 19, 2026
NRF Forecasts 4% Retail Sales Growth in 2026From a weaker labor market to inflation, NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews gave insight on what retailers can expect this year.
AuctionsMar 19, 2026
26-Carat Diamond Tops $1M at AuctionThe historic stone, which sold at Elmwood’s in London, is the largest white diamond to be offered on the U.K. market in more than a decade.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
Events & AwardsMar 19, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach in Las Vegas on May 31.
Weekly QuizMar 19, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsMar 18, 2026
Collection of the ‘Severely Beautiful’ Lady Wardington Fetches $161KThe model and fashion editor’s gold evening bags were the top lots at the London sale, going for more than $25,000 each.
PodcastsMar 18, 2026
Episode 3: An Interview With Jewelry Designer Johnny NelsonFresh off winning the David Yurman Gem Awards Grant, Nelson discusses the ring that launched his career and his plans for the future.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
MajorsMar 18, 2026
Stuller Releases New Edition of Jewelry Education Book“The Basics of Jewelry” has been updated to include modern topics and visuals.
Events & AwardsMar 17, 2026
The Best Moments From the 2026 Gem Awards Held just before the Oscars, the jewelry industry’s big awards show had its share of standout jewelry, gowns, and acceptance speeches.
TrendsMar 17, 2026
Natalie Portman Is Tiffany & Co.’s New AmbassadorThe Academy Award-winning actress stars in Tiffany & Co.’s latest commercial, which debuted Sunday night during the Oscars.
MajorsMar 17, 2026
Kering Establishes Jewelry Division, Appoints CEOThe organizational change follows Kering’s promise of a transformation after declining sales in 2025.
EditorsMar 16, 2026
2026 Oscars Jewelry: One Necklace After AnotherNatalie Francisco rounds up the top Oscars jewels, including Rose Byrne’s Taffin necklace with a more than 20-carat yellow-brown diamond.
WatchesMar 16, 2026
TAG Heuer Has a New CEOBéatrice Goasglas has been with TAG Heuer since 2018. She is the first woman to head the 166-year-old, LVMH-owned watch brand.
IndependentsMar 16, 2026
Ben Bridge Debuts New Honolulu BoutiqueThe store features the first in-store build for the jeweler’s in-house “Bella Ponte” bridal brand.
AuctionsMar 16, 2026
Bonhams Paris To Offer Antique, Signed Jewels The live fine jewelry auction will take place later this week, showcasing antique pieces, rare gemstones, and signed jewels.
CollectionsMar 13, 2026
A Trio of Jewels from the 3 Gem Award Nominees for Jewelry DesignOur Pieces of the Week honor the 2026 nominees for the Gem Award for Jewelry Design, Silvia Furmanovich, Cece Fein-Hughes, and Catherine Sarr.
WatchesMar 13, 2026
Citizen, Vera Wang to Launch Watch CollectionThe 24-piece watch collection is set to debut in spring 2027.
SourcingMar 13, 2026
Andrea Pooler Joins Third-Generation Diamond Company as COO Pooler, who has more than 25 years’ experience in jewelry, is now chief operating officer of Modani Jewels, Soham Diamonds, and SNJ Creations.
MajorsMar 13, 2026
24 Karat Club of New York’s Banquet to Return to Waldorf AstoriaThe reopening of the Waldorf Astoria means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event, which will take place Saturday.
CollectionsMar 12, 2026
Jessica McCormack Sends Gold, Gemstones Into ‘Orbit’McCormack looked to the 19th century’s “golden age” of astronomy when designing her new celestial-themed collection.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
Johnny Nelson Wins David Yurman Gem Awards GrantNelson will be honored as the inaugural grant winner at the Gem Awards gala on Friday.
TechnologyMar 12, 2026
Caratwise Launches, Names Former Signet Exec CEO The new smart design software allows jewelers to configure, price, and confirm a custom engagement ring in real time for in-store customers.
SourcingMar 12, 2026
Grandview Klein Opens New Factory in South Africa The 10,000-square-foot diamond manufacturing facility officially opened in late February and employs 50 people.
Events & AwardsMar 12, 2026
MJSA ‘Future of Jewelry Making’ Scholarship Applications OpenThe MJSA Education Foundation’s scholarships support students pursuing jewelry careers.
AuctionsMar 11, 2026
‘Spectacular’ 26-Carat Diamond Going Up for Auction in London The largest white diamond to come to market in the U.K. in more than a decade, the VVS1, I-color stone is expected to top $1 million.
TechnologyMar 11, 2026
Cast Jewelry’s Rachel Skelly on Coming Back Online Only Skelly shares her plans for reimagining the fine jewelry retailer she re-acquired after it faltered last year.
