Qatar Opens Its First Diamond Exchange

The Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) has officially launched the Qatar Diamond Exchange (QDE), establishing the country's first dedicated platform for trading diamonds and precious stones.

The exchange is designed to position Qatar as a new international hub for the diamond industry, featuring a secure trading floor, private negotiation suites, advanced security and surveillance systems, and on-site customs and certification services, the QFZ announced Sunday.

Qatar became a full member of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) in 2021, reinforcing its commitment to the responsible and transparent trade of conflict-free rough diamonds. In 2025, the country's Kimberley Process framework designated the QFZ as the competent authority for rough diamond imports and exports, making its free zones the only authorized entry and exit points for such shipments. Located in the Ras Bufontas Free Zone, the QDE offers a regulated environment for trading, storing, certifying and transacting diamonds.

"The Qatar Diamond Exchange represents an important step in Qatar's efforts to further diversify its economy and strengthen its position as a trusted participant in the global diamond trade," said QFZ CEO Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Faisal Al-Thani. "Through QDE, we are bringing together the full diamond and precious-stones value chain within a single regulated ecosystem."

Membership is open to diamond traders, manufacturers, cutters, polishers, affiliated service providers and industry organizations. Members will have access to trading licenses, on-site sorting and independent valuation services, secure vault facilities, and specialist insurance.

The exchange also plans to host a series of rough and polished diamond tenders, creating new links between producers in Africa and Asia and buyers across Europe and the Gulf region.