In 2009, the Dubai Pearl Exchange organised the inaugural World Pearl Forum to highlight the importance of reviving the global pearl trade, and reinstating Dubai’s historic status as a pearl trading hub.

The Forum brought together more than 200 leading pearl specialists from across the world. The patronage and participation of Her Highness Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE in the 2009 Forum, further demonstrated Dubai’s commitment to the trade.

Senior representatives – from pearl producers, national pearl bodies, certification specialists, and jewellery trade experts – gathered to discuss industry challenges, debate hot topics, share knowledge, and highlight opportunities, all with one shared vision: to create a lustrous new future for pearls and contribute in the growth of the worldwide market for pearl jewellery.

The Forum, which was held while the global economy was still recovering from the effects of the financial crisis, was a perfect opportunity for members of the pearl industry to coordinate its future growth plans and employ a comprehensive strategy for all aspects of the trade.