DMCC to Join Natural Diamond Council in 2026

DMCC, the world’s largest diamond trading hub, has announced its intention to join the Natural Diamond Council (NDC) in 2026. The decision was made during the Mining Indaba in Cape Town, alongside the second high-level meeting of the Luanda Accord. This accord, signed in Angola in June last year, encourages collective investment in promoting natural diamonds.

The Luanda Accord brings together producer governments and industry participants, including DMCC and De Beers Group, under the leadership of the Natural Diamond Council. At the meeting, ministers from Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and Sierra Leone attended, highlighting ongoing government support for the accord.

DMCC, home to over 1,300 diamond and precious stone companies, joins the NDC at a crucial time when the diamond sector faces structural challenges. Changing consumer preferences, rising competition, and stricter standards for sourcing are reshaping global demand. The NDC, funded by leading diamond producers, aims to strengthen consumer confidence through marketing and education initiatives worldwide.

By joining the council, DMCC commits to supporting industry-wide efforts to increase demand for natural diamonds, in line with the Luanda Accord principles. This move also strengthens Dubai’s visibility and influence in the global diamond trade.

During the Cape Town meeting, the Government of Namibia formally joined the Luanda Accord, and India’s Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) signed an MoU to join the NDC by May 2026. DMCC’s confirmation adds momentum to the collective global marketing of natural diamonds. Membership requires agreement on financial contributions and completion of legal and regulatory procedures.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, DMCC Executive Chairman, said: “Joining the Natural Diamond Council reflects Dubai’s key role in the global diamond trade and our responsibility to support the long-term growth of natural diamonds. We will continue to collaborate with governments and industry to strengthen consumer demand and safeguard the sector’s future.”

Amber Pepper, CEO of the NDC, added: “Collective action is essential to protect the integrity of natural diamonds. We look forward to working with DMCC to amplify the industry’s efforts globally.”

For over 20 years, DMCC has been central to global diamond trade, advancing governance, traceability, and compliance standards through its active role in the Kimberley Process, which it has chaired three times. The Luanda Accord and NDC call on miners, traders, manufacturers, and retailers to support initiatives that sustain consumer demand and strengthen the long-term resilience of the natural diamond sector.