Qatar Chamber Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani inaugurated on Monday a first-of-its-kind laboratory in Qatar for gems and metals calibration.

Held on the sidelines of the 18th edition of the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition (DJWE 2022), which kicked off on Monday, the lab’s opening ceremony was attended by Sheikh Mansour bin Khalifa Al Thani, CEO of Qatar Museums Ahmed Al Namla and QC board member Mohamed Al Obaidly, as well as founders of the lab Enas Mohamed and Ahmed Al Obaidly.

The laboratory aims to calibrate metals and precious stones, examine, and classify diamonds, and ensure their quality and purity.

Stressing the importance of opening the laboratory, Sheikh Khalifa said it makes Qatar the first country in the Arab world in educating the public about the importance of diamond classification and combatting fraud in this field.

He pointed out that the laboratory was equipped with the latest specialized devices for examining diamonds and is being manned by a group of trained and highly-qualified technical cadres and technicians who are graduates of the International Gemological Institute. This makes Qatar a leading global reputation in this field as a global centre for the trade of jewellery and diamonds, he added.

Sheikh Khalifa also lauded the Doha Jewellery and Watches Exhibition, which is one of the most important exhibitions held annually at the international level in Qatar. This edition will see more than 500 international brands participating in the exhibition.

QC Chairman affirmed the Chamber’s support for the exhibition sector in the country. He said the sector was considered one of the important tools, whether in terms of commercial or tourism revitalization, pointing out that the DJWE is a milestone in the exhibition sector not only locally, but also regionally and internationally.

Enas Mohamed said the idea of establishing a laboratory for calibrating metals and precious stones was present four or five years ago, but it faced great difficulties and challenges until it was turned into a reality with the cooperation of large international institutes specialised in this field.

She also said that the establishment of this laboratory keeps pace with the renaissance witnessed by Qatar and the economic development and commercial expansion in various fields, including the jewellery trade sector, which is one of the most important sectors that contribute to economic activity in the country.