Money Majlis Ep 43. Ahmed Bin Sulayem: Building Dubai’s Global Trade Powerhouse
In this episode of Money Majlis, host Suvo Sarkar sits down with Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, for a rare, wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond the headlines. From the 30th floor of Uptown Dubai’s gleaming new DMCC headquarters, Ahmed shares the inside story of how Dubai has transformed from a regional trading outpost into a global powerhouse for commodities, technology, and innovation.
Ahmed’s journey at DMCC began in 2003, when the organization counted just 28 member companies. Today, DMCC is home to 26,000 companies from 180 countries, supporting more than 90,000 jobs and anchoring the vibrant Jumeirah Lakes Towers community. Ahmed reflects on the vision, risk-taking, and relentless drive that fuelled this exponential growth, and why Dubai’s unique blend of ambition, infrastructure, and openness cannot simply be replicated elsewhere.
You will discover how DMCC has become the world’s leading international business district, not just for gold and diamonds, but also for coffee, tea, and now cutting-edge sectors like AI, blockchain, and gaming. Ahmed discusses the evolution of the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange and the Dubai Diamond Exchange, and how Dubai’s diamond trade soared from virtually zero in the 1990s to $40 billion last year. He addresses the challenges of ethical sourcing, the impact of lab-grown diamonds, and the future of traceability in the gemstone market.
The conversation also explores DMCC’s role as a catalyst for innovation, from the launch of the DMCC AI Centre and Crypto Centre to the creation of a thriving ecosystem for tech, fintech, and Web3 companies. Ahmed shares candid insights on leadership, the importance of listening and adaptability, and how social media has become a powerful tool for shaping narratives and engaging with a global audience.
From the bustling DMCC Coffee and Tea Centres to the ambitious Uptown Dubai project and the soon-to-rise Burj 2020, Ahmed reveals how DMCC is redefining what it means to be a global hub for trade and entrepreneurship. He also opens up about the personal experiences that shaped his leadership style, the lessons learned from setbacks, and his vision for the next chapter of DMCC’s growth.
Tune in for a conversation that’s as candid as it is inspiring—and discover why Dubai’s story is just getting started.
Produced by Sabine Achkar @ Poddster
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