Qatar Free Zones Authority has announced the launch of the Qatar Diamond Exchange, a fully integrated platform for trading rough and polished diamonds and precious stones.
Hosted within Ras Bufontas Free Zone, the exchange will bring trading, certification, secure storage, membership services and industry support together within a single regulated ecosystem.
The initiative is designed to establish Doha as a new gateway for international diamond trade while supporting economic diversification under Qatar National Vision 2030.
What is the Qatar Diamond Exchange?
The Qatar Diamond Exchange, also known as QDE, is a regulated trading platform developed to serve businesses operating across the diamond and precious-stones industry.
Its services will cover several stages of the value chain, including:
- Rough and polished diamond trading
- Secure storage and vaulting
- Auctions and tenders
- Customs clearance
- Diamond certification
- Independent valuation and assortment
- Specialist insurance
- Industry and membership services
By placing these services within one location, QDE aims to reduce administrative steps and provide companies with a more efficient and secure environment for conducting international business.
Secure trading and vaulting facilities
The Qatar Diamond Exchange will feature a secure trading floor and private negotiation suites where members can conduct transactions.
It will also include an institutional-grade vault equipped with biometric access controls, continuous surveillance and 24-hour on-site security.
On-site customs and certification facilities will allow companies to process, verify and move high-value goods without relying on multiple external locations.
QFZ’s diamond ecosystem also includes plans for secure member offices, specialist logistics services, bonded storage and connections with grading laboratories, financial institutions and technology providers.
Who can join the Qatar Diamond Exchange?
Membership will be open to businesses involved in trading, manufacturing, cutting and polishing diamonds.
Affiliate membership will also be available to service providers, professional organisations and industry bodies supporting the diamond and precious-stones sector.
Members will be able to access trading licences, secure vault facilities, independent valuation, assortment services and specialist insurance through the exchange.
Qualifying companies operating within the free zone may also benefit from 100% foreign ownership and a 0% corporate tax rate, subject to applicable eligibility requirements and regulations.
Connecting producers and international buyers
QDE plans to organise a curated programme of tenders for rough and polished diamonds.
These tenders will connect diamond producers across Africa and Asia with buyers in Europe and the Gulf, using Qatar’s location and transport infrastructure to support the movement of high-value goods between major markets.
Ras Bufontas Free Zone is located beside Hamad International Airport and is designed for industries handling high-value and time-sensitive products. Its proximity to the airport gives diamond companies access to international air routes and specialist logistics services.
Qatar’s role in responsible diamond trading
Qatar became a full participant in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme in 2021.
The Kimberley Process is an international initiative involving governments, the diamond industry and civil-society organisations. It was established to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the legitimate international rough-diamond market.
Qatar’s participation means rough diamonds entering or leaving the country must comply with the scheme’s certification and traceability requirements.
Law No. 15 of 2025 establishes regulatory framework
Qatar strengthened its domestic diamond-trading framework through Law No. 15 of 2025, which regulates the import, export and transit of rough diamonds.
Under the framework, Qatar Free Zones Authority serves as the country’s competent authority for implementing Kimberley Process requirements.
Qatar’s free zones have also been designated as the sole legitimate entry and exit points for rough diamonds traded through the country.
Supporting Qatar’s economic diversification
QFZ CEO and Qatar Diamond Exchange Chairman HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al-Thani said the exchange represents an important step in Qatar’s efforts to diversify its economy and strengthen its role in international diamond trade.
The exchange creates a new specialised sector that combines logistics, finance, certification, storage, professional services and international trade.
By developing the necessary legal framework, infrastructure and industry services, Qatar aims to establish itself as a trusted and well-regulated centre for diamonds and precious stones.
The Qatar Diamond Exchange also supports the wider objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030 by attracting international investment, developing new economic sectors and increasing the country’s participation in global trade.
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