DMCC has announced Isabelle Strauss-Kahn, a former senior official at the World Bank and Banque de France, as a keynote speaker for the 14th Dubai Precious Metals Conference (DPMC), which will take place on 16–17 November 2026 at Uptown Dubai.
Organised under the theme “Reshaping Global Precious Metals Markets,” the conference will convene policymakers, central bankers, bullion market executives, investors and other industry representatives to discuss the forces transforming global precious metals markets. Key topics will include geopolitical uncertainty, evolving international trade routes, central bank reserve policies and developments in financial technology.
Strauss-Kahn brings over 20 years of expertise in central banking, sovereign reserve management and international financial markets. During her career, she led the World Bank Treasury’s Reserve Advisory and Management Partnership, providing guidance to central banks and sovereign wealth funds. She also served as Director of Market Operations at Banque de France, overseeing gold and foreign exchange reserves as well as monetary policy operations. She currently holds a non-executive director position on the board of the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA).
The opening keynote will be delivered by H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, who will discuss the changing dynamics of global trade and the UAE’s position as a key link between international markets.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, said the conference would explore gold’s changing significance within the global financial system, particularly amid geopolitical uncertainty, shifting trade corridors and continued demand from central banks.
Strauss-Kahn highlighted gold’s enduring importance in the international monetary system, noting that central banks are reviewing their reserve strategies in response to geopolitical risks and changing economic conditions. She also pointed to growing discussions around liquidity, transparency, market infrastructure and the connection between physical bullion and financial markets. She expressed her enthusiasm for exchanging insights with policymakers and industry leaders on the future direction of global precious metals markets.
The confirmed speaker lineup also includes David Tait, CEO of the World Gold Council; Louis Maréchal, Senior Advisor at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD); Michael Lawrence, Chief Executive of Asia House; and Essa Alfalasi, Chairman of Emirates Minting Factory.
The event will begin with a dedicated mining workshop on 16 November, followed by the main conference programme on 17 November. Sessions will examine gold’s role in the international monetary system, emerging trade corridors, digital ownership models, financing mechanisms, provenance infrastructure and traceability.
The conference is expected to provide a platform for industry leaders to exchange perspectives on market developments and explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the global precious metals industry.