CEO of DIFX and Acting Director General of ADSM to address delegates at Sukuk World

The conference, which is due to take place on 24-27 June at the Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi, will debate the whole spectrum of the Sukuk market and will provide attendees with the only opportunity to hear from these important stock market leaders in one place about this growing Islamic finance asset class.

"The DIFX plays a central role in the growth of Sukuk as an attractive asset class and with the value of Sukuk on the DIFX topping US$ 8 billion, we represent the Sukuk market leader amongst stock markets," commented Per E. Larsson, Chief Executive Officer of the DIFX.

Global Sukuk issuance is currently estimated at $70 million in value and according to Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, will top the $100 billion mark by 2010. This continuous expansion is being driven by swelling global demand in Shariah compliant financial products and services. The UK Treasury and Japanese government are preparing to launch debut sovereign Sukuk in 2008 representing growing worldwide popularity in Shariah-compliant debt issuance.

Larsson added,

"Sukuk is are being seen as a feasible alternative for raising capital globally and Sukuk World is a great opportunity for potential issuers and investors to understand better the attractiveness of the Sukuk market. It is valuable for potential issuers to hear about a variety of listing options and this event certainly provides that."

Debate and discussion amongst these stock market representatives, Islamic finance professionals, investment experts, regulators and market issuers will centre on regulatory and industry standards, structures and issues, investment trends and management issues.

Two dedicated workshops have also been organised and will examine, in-depth, the different structures and issues currently established, and the legal and regulatory requirements for issuing Sukuk.

An impressive line-up of international and regional financial experts are expected to speak at the event including amongst others, Per E. Larsson, CEO, (DIFX), Rashid Al Baloushi, Acting Director General, ADSM, Paul Homsy, CEO, Crescent Partners, Amr Abou El Seoud, Executive Vice President, Investment Dar Company, Ahmed Abbas, CEO, LMC, Nasser bin Hassan Al-Shaikh, Vice Chairman & CEO, National Bonds, John Sandwick, Managing Director, Encore Management SA, Arul Kandasamy, Head of Islamic Banking, Barclays Capital.

Dubai International Financial Exchange is the Headline Sponsor and Crescent Asset Management Ltd ad Strategic Partner for the Sukuk World conference.