GIA to occupy the uptown tower of DMCC in Dubai
DMCC has announced that the world’s leading authority on diamonds, coloured stones and pearls, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), through its subsidiary GIA Laboratory DMCC, is leasing space for a new gemological laboratory in Dubai’s newest landmark, the DMCC Uptown Tower. GIA, a public benefit non-profit institute, is a leading source of knowledge, standards and education in the field of gemstones and jewellery.
The new GIA lab, scheduled to open in mid-2023, will occupy more than 41,000 square feet on two floors of the 340-metre Uptown Tower as part of a nine-year deal. Over time, up to 500 new skilled jobs could be created in the DMCC business district.
The tower’s 22 floors of premium Grade A office space are currently largely pre-leased in anticipation of the tower’s completion in Q4 2022. Uptown Tower was commissioned in January this year, with construction now complete and the tower in the testing and commissioning phase.
Through the use of the latest technology, including advanced GIA equipment, and careful space and process planning, the customised design of the new laboratory facilities will enhance the efficiency of GIA’s laboratory processes and services.
The announcement confirms Dubai’s status as a leading centre for the global diamond industry, as the emirate has significantly accelerated the growth of the diamond trade in recent years. In the first quarter of this year, the UAE recorded diamond and polished diamond trade worth USD 11 billion, a 36% increase over last year. The UAE is now the world’s largest trading hub for rough diamonds and is fast approaching the diamond market leader. The new GIA lab is expected to support growth in this important segment of polished diamonds.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, executive chairman and CEO of DMCC, said: “We are immensely proud to host GIA at DMCC’s Uptown Tower in Dubai. Representing a truly world-leading commercial, residential and retail offering, Uptown Tower is generating significant interest from international and local companies, as evidenced by the significant amount of pre-leased office space. The addition of GIA to our business district further strengthens and advances our strategy to create an interconnected business community that supports and encourages global commerce.”
“Dubai’s growing importance as a diamond hub and its outstanding infrastructure make DMCC an excellent choice for GIA’s significant capacity expansion,” said Tom Moses, executive vice president of GIA and chief laboratory and research officer. “Dubai’s proximity to important diamond production and mining centres, as well as efficient transport links to global diamond markets, will help support our customers and, importantly, extend our important consumer protection mission.”
Designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, Uptown Tower echoes the sparkle of diamonds with its faceted glass façade, which illuminates the interior with natural light while screening out harsh glare.
The 340m-high tower is built to LEED Gold certification and will house DMCC’s state-of-the-art headquarters. The tower will also house a 5-star 188-room luxury hotel – SO/ Uptown Dubai, exclusive restaurants, extensive conference facilities, Class A offices and 229 branded SO/ residences.
.@DMCCAuthority : The Gemological Institute of America (@GIAnews), through its subsidiary GIA Laboratory DMCC, will lease space for a new gemmological laboratory in DMCC’s Uptown Tower reaffirming Dubai’s status as a leading hub for the global diamond industry. #Dubai pic.twitter.com/hgD8g6W5Qe
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 26, 2022
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