More than 450 delegates comprising CEOs, industry leaders and bankers from local and international markets are expected to participate in an upcoming conference on gold and precious metals in Dubai.

The eighth Dubai City of Gold Conference, organized by the Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group (DGJG), will be held on November 13 at Almas Tower, and will highlight the intrinsic value of gold and precious metals in an environment of heightened risk and economic uncertainty.

Gold remains one of the best-performing investments hitting a record high of $1,920.30 an ounce in early September. Its price is more than 25 per cent higher year to date.

Themed on the outlook for the gold, gems and jewellery industry in the Middle East, the one day conference will present specialists’ views and analysis on precious metals, gems and jewellery in the Middle East.

“The Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group is pleased to organise the eighth edition of the Dubai City of Gold Conference that will highlight the intrinsic value of gold and other precious metals,” said Anan Fakhreddin, chairman of the DGJG.

“The group has always believed in the tremendous value that the conference brings to the local, regional and international gold and jewellery sector.”

“This event will facilitate the exchange of ideas and provide an opportunity to network with global players, while sharing best practice case studies and experiences with top experts. The conference underlines Dubai’s leadership role in the gold and jewellery trade at the global level,” he added.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, executive chairman, Dubai Multi Commodities Center (DMCC) said: “DMCC is proud to be a part of this prestigious event which further enhances Dubai’s reputation as the City of Gold. Our sponsorship of conference reflects our strategy to support initiatives that are aimed at enhancing gold trade through the emirate, such as our recent unveiling of the UAE’s first Gold Bullion Coin.”

“The price of gold is often a mirror of existing uncertainties in the economic and political outlook, and gold as an asset class has clearly been a great attraction for the broad-based investment community in the region,” said Gerhard Schubert, head of Precious Metals, Emirates NBD.

“Emirates NBD is committed to supporting the development of the gold and precious metals sector, and our participation at the upcoming ‘City of Gold’ conference is an indication of this commitment. In addition to being the only regional networking forum for industry stakeholders, the conference also underlines Dubai’s historic and leading role in the gold and jewellery trade.”

Alison Burns, head of Precious Metals, Standard Bank Mena, said: “We are delighted to be a key sponsor for the prestigious 8th Dubai City of Gold Conference. This event has always been well-supported by leading global players within the jewellery industry and our continuing participation affirms our commitment to the precious metals industry in the Middle East.”

“Whilst speculative and ETF investment demand has been a major driving factor in gold’s recent bullish trend, Dubai remains a major regional hub for physical distribution and understanding physical flows in the region and is key to understanding market fundamentals,” she added.

“Dubai City of Gold Conference has established itself as the premier event for the international gold and jewellery sector,” said Munir Kaloti, president, Kaloti Jewellery Group.

“This year’s conference with its spotlight on the Middle East is the perfect platform to discuss the current and future opportunities in this region from a global perspective. We are honoured to support the eighth Dubai City of Gold Conference and look forward to insightful discussions and networking opportunities that the conference is known for," he concluded. – TradeArabia News Service