The Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) has officially launched the Qatar Diamond Exchange (QDE), a comprehensive platform for trading rough and polished diamonds and precious stones. Situated within the Ras Bufontas Free Zone in Doha, the exchange aims to integrate various industry functions—including trading, membership, vaulting, certification, and support services—under a single regulated ecosystem. This initiative aligns with Qatar’s broader economic diversification goals outlined in its National Vision 2030.
The QDE is designed to serve as a secure, transparent gateway connecting Qatar to international diamond markets. Facilities include a secure trading floor, private negotiation suites, and an institutional-grade vault equipped with biometric access controls, complemented by round-the-clock security and surveillance. On-site customs and certification services are also available to streamline business operations for members, who encompass traders, manufacturers, cutters, polishers, and affiliated service providers in the diamond sector.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani, CEO of QFZ and Chairman of QDE, described the exchange as a significant milestone in diversifying Qatar’s economy and enhancing its role in the global diamond trade. He highlighted the country’s commitment to ethical trading practices, building on its full participation in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) since 2021. The Kimberley Process framework was further strengthened in Qatar through Law No. (15) of 2025, which designates QFZ as the state authority overseeing diamond trade and restricts entry and exit points for rough diamonds exclusively to the country’s free zones.
Membership in the exchange offers access to trading licenses, on-site assortments, independent valuation services, vault facilities, and specialized insurance. Companies operating within the free zone benefit from incentives including 100 percent foreign ownership and zero corporate tax for qualifying entities. The QDE also plans to host a curated calendar of tenders featuring rough and polished diamonds, connecting producers primarily from Africa and Asia with buyers in Europe and the Gulf region.
The establishment of the Qatar Diamond Exchange marks a strategic move to position Qatar as a trusted participant in the global diamond industry, fostering transparent and responsible trading while supporting the full value chain of the diamond and precious stones sector.