via Press Release

RJC AND DMCC ANNOUNCE COLLABORATION TO ADVANCE CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY IN THE JEWELLERY INDUSTRY The Responsible Jewellery Council (RJC), global standards-setting and certification organization for the entire jewellery supply chain, announced it had agreed on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with DMCC to work cooperatively on advancing their shared objectives of improving corporate social responsibility and responsible supply chain efforts in the jewellery supply chain. RJC welcomes this new formal relationship with DMCC, through which the two organizations will work together to achieve common goals and strengthen collective efforts towards responsible business practices, supporting RJC membership growth and certification reach in the UAE. The RJC is making good progress in the UAE and is committed to working with the local industry and institutions to fully integrate with this market. As a key part of this increasing commitment Kinjal Shah, RJC Regional Director of India and the Middle East will work closely with the DMCC and the industry on these efforts.

RJC Executive Director, Andrew Bone and Ahmed Bin Sulayem, DMCC Executive Chairman during the signing ceremony in Dubai.

DMCC is a government entity and the world’s most interconnected Free Zone, dedicated to enhancing Dubai’s position as the global gateway for commodities trade by creating an environment for business to flourish, providing world class of physical, financial and smart infrastructure as well as services and expertise to build marketplaces for success. DMCC also encourages its 14,100 member companies to conduct business in a transparent and responsible manner through its regulatory standards and strong alignment with global entities such as the RJC. Under the MoU, RJC and DMCC will: Work together to collect data intelligence to manage risk and enhance industry reputation in the UAE. Develop methods and bespoke materials to raise awareness and educate the local industry and beyond on solutions to implement robust sustainability efforts and ethical business practices. Develop joint communications and outreach programs to promote the implementation of responsible business practices through various industry events. Andrew Bone, Executive Director of the RJC said, “We are really pleased to work closely with the DMCC to promote sustainability and ethical business practices in the jewellery supply chain in the UAE. Together, the DMCC and RJC can leverage each other’s knowledge and expertise regarding the challenges and issues the industry faces to instill a responsible supply chain and promote consumer confidence in the watch and fine jewellery industry. We are looking forward to a rewarding and mutually beneficial collaboration between our two organizations.” “At DMCC, we believe that a CSR roadmap is a step-by-step process of continuous improvement and collaboration with key global entities. This MoU with RJC is an important milestone for us that will enhance a better future of trade for all, and we are proud to lead this process in the UAE in close partnership with the RJC”, said Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC.

Gautam Sashittal, DMCC Chief Executive Officer; Andrew Bone, RJC Executive Director and Ahmed Bin Sulayem, DMCC Executive Chairman.