By Alex Angelle

The Institute will expand its global reach even further in 2006 with the planned opening of a new learning facility in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It will be GIA’s 12th overseas location, and 15th overall.

The new education center comes on the heels of GIA’s recent strategic education expansion in 2004: Its New York, Los Angeles and Hong Kong locations moved into larger facilities, and GIA India in Mumbai, a market where the jewelry industry has seen tremendous growth over the last decade, was opened.

Dubai is quickly becoming a high-profile region for the jewelry trade which has been fueled by the development of Dubai Metals and Commodities Center (DMCC).

The DMCC, created in 2002, is part of a strategic effort by the Dubai government to establish a precious goods market. It is intended to provide the market infrastructure needed to support a wide range of trading activities, particularly in gold and diamonds.

“Dubai has grown steadily as a major trading center in the Middle East,” said GIA Vice President of Education Brook Ellis. “There is a thriving gem and jewelry industry there, and a corresponding demand for greater gemological education services. GIA will be pleased to deliver its quality education in the region.”

The new GIA Education facility will be located in the DMCC’s landmark building, the 65-floor Almas Tower. It will comprise more than 5,000 square feet and include two classrooms. Classes will begin early in 2007 and will include the Graduate Gemologist (G.G.) diploma program and other GIA classes.

A director has yet to be hired, but preparations are being made to find just the right person to be responsible for running the location’s day-to-day operations.

“We are looking for a talented individual with a passion for the jewelry industry and experienced and familiar with running an organization in the Middle East,” Ellis said.

GIA’s presence in Dubai was a crucial element to the overall plan for the DMCC, says Tawfic Abdullah, vice chairman of the DMCC.

“Creating the right educational infrastructure is a key ingredient not only to develop Dubai into a global hub for the gem and jewelry sectors, but also to position the Emirate as an industry leader,” he said. “We are delighted to see GIA come to Dubai to set up such training facilities.”