The Qatar Free Zones Authority announced the launch of the Qatar Diamond Exchange, an integrated platform for trading rough and polished diamonds and other precious stones, based in the Ras Bufontas Free Zone.
The authority explained that the new stock exchange provides trading, membership, secure storage, certification and specialized services within a unified regulatory system, which opens a new gateway for global diamond trade in the State of Qatar, links Doha to international diamond markets, and contributes to supporting economic diversification efforts in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030.
The Qatar Diamond Exchange operates as a unified regulatory platform that includes a secure trading hall, private negotiation suites, and a diamond vault with the highest standards of protection equipped with a biometric locking mechanism, in addition to 24-hour security and monitoring services, customs facilities, and on-site certification services, providing members with an integrated and secure environment to conduct their business smoothly.
In this regard, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, CEO of the Qatar Free Zones Authority and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Qatar Diamond Exchange, said that the launch of the Qatar Diamond Exchange represents an important step within the efforts of the State of Qatar aimed at continuing to diversify its economy and strengthen its position as a reliable partner in the global diamond trade.
He added that the participation of the State of Qatar in the Kimberley Process since 2021 has contributed to establishing the necessary regulatory and institutional frameworks to develop this strategic sector, create the appropriate environment for its growth and attract investments related to it.
He pointed out that the stock exchange aims to bring together the various links of the value chain of the diamond and gemstone sector within an integrated regulatory system, which includes trading, storage, safe storage, auctions and tenders, in addition to support services in the sector.
The Stock Exchange opens membership to companies working in diamond trading, manufacturing, cutting and polishing, in addition to specialized service providers, and entities and institutions operating in the sector. Members have the ability to issue trading licenses, on-site diamond sorting and independent evaluation services, secure storage services, and specialized insurance, within a free zone that allows 100 percent foreign ownership, and a complete exemption from corporate income tax for eligible entities. The stock exchange will also contribute to connecting producers in Africa and Asia with buyers in Europe and the Arabian Gulf region through a coordinated schedule of events that includes tenders for rough and polished diamonds.
It is noteworthy that the State of Qatar became a member of the “Kimberley Process” system for issuing trade certificates for rough diamonds in 2021. Under Law No. (15) of 2025, which regulates the application of the “Kimberley Process” framework in the State of Qatar, the Qatar Free Zones Authority was appointed as the competent authority in the country, and the free zones in Qatar were approved as the only legal port of entry for rough diamonds into and out of the country.