Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB)

The Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB) stands as a monumental achievement in India's diamond industry, representing a significant shift in the global gem trade landscape.

🏢 Overview

• Location: DREAM City, Khajod, Surat, Gujarat, India
• Inauguration Date: December 17, 2023
• Total Built-up Area: 7.1 million sq. ft.
• Site Area: 35.54 acres
• Architectural Firm: Morphogenesis
• Leadership: Chairman – Govind Dholakia; CEO – Mahesh Gadhavi

🌍 Global Significance

• World's Largest Office Building: Surpassing the Pentagon, the SDB is recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest office building globally.
• Diamond Industry Hub: Consolidates over 65,000 diamond professionals, encompassing activities from cutting and polishing to trading.
• Economic Impact: Aims to generate approximately 150,000 new jobs, bolstering Surat's position as a global diamond trade center.

🏗️ Architectural Features

• Structure: Comprises nine interconnected 15-story towers linked by a central corridor, facilitating seamless movement.
• Office Spaces: Houses over 4,700 offices ranging from 300 to 7,500 sq. ft., catering to various business sizes.
• Amenities: Equipped with 131 elevators, conference halls, banquet facilities, restaurants, banks, and retail outlets.
• Parking: Two-level underground parking accommodating 4,500 cars and 10,000 two-wheelers.

🌿 Sustainability Initiatives

• Energy Efficiency: Consumes 50% less energy compared to standard benchmarks, achieving 45 kWh/sq.m./yr.
• Green Certification: Awarded the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Platinum rating for its eco-friendly design.
• Design Elements: Incorporates natural lighting, radiant cooling systems, and ventilation strategies aligned with the five elements (Panchtattva).

💎 Specialized Facilities

• Diamond Jewellery Mall: A 50,000 sq. ft. space hosting 27 showrooms for international diamond jewellery brands.
• Customs Clearance Center: India's largest, spanning 60,000 sq. ft., facilitating efficient export processes.
• Security Measures: State-of-the-art surveillance with over 4,000 CCTV cameras and advanced fire protection systems.
• Additional Amenities: Includes a National Diamond Research Institute, international convention center, educational facilities, and five-star hotels.

📈 Strategic Importance

The SDB marks a strategic shift in India's diamond trade, decentralizing operations from Mumbai to Surat. This move aims to reduce logistical challenges and position Surat as a central hub in the global diamond industry. However, recent developments, such as the imposition of a 27% tariff by the U.S. on Indian gem and jewellery exports, pose challenges to the industry's growth and the SDB's objectives.