The International Colored Gemstone Association said Monday that it will launch the ICA International Gem Fair Dubai 2008, to be held under the patronage of the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre and supported by the ICA GemBureau Middle East. The show, which will be the region’s first-ever dedicated colored stones trade fair, will be held in Dubai, Oct. 13-15.

This three-day event is expected to attract a diverse range of participants from across the value chain of the global colored stones industry, ICA said in a statement, including manufacturers, technical instrument makers, and others, traders and service providers. More than 150 exhibitors from the Middle East, Thailand, India, China, Hong Kong, Brazil, Australia, USA, Germany, and Japan are expected at to participate.

“Dubai has established itself as a prominent international center for the precious commodities trade,” said Andrew Cody, ICA president. “The emirate’s geographical advantage located amidst international trade flows, ease of doing business, and the government of Dubai’s commitment to playing a crucial in role in boosting the commodity trade, make it a natural choice for a dedicated trade fair. Capitalizing on Dubai’s established and prospering retail jewelry industry, we are confident that the ICA International Gem Fair will evolve into an important highlight in the calendar of the global colored stones industry.”

The event will include participation from members of the ICA, DMCC, and the Dubai Gems Club, in addition to country specific representation from key colored stone producing countries worldwide, thus ensuring that the event is accessible only to ethical gem traders.

“DMCC is extremely pleased to partner with ICA and provide support to this significant B2B event, which will attract colored stones traders of global repute to Dubai, further raising the emirate’s prominence in this high-growth sector,” said Gaiti Rabbani, executive director, Colored Stones and Pearls division, DMCC. “More importantly, the ICA Gem Fair will effectively fill the gap in the current product offering for the regional trade, and will enable the growth of the physical trade in colored gemstones in Dubai.”

JCK