First GAIM Middle East conference to focus on investment diversification

The Middle East's inaugural alternative investment conference runs from 26th - 28th November at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, UAE and will outline the need for regional investors to diversify, especially in light of the recent stock market turbulence witnessed around the world.

Assets currently under management in the Middle East and North Africa are approximately USD 70 billion and Algebra Capital analysts predict that the market will grow by at least 23.5 per cent per annum, meaning that assets managed will reach in excess of USD 200 billion by 2012. However, the region's emerging status means that this is an ideal time for investors to incorporate diversification strategies in order to manage periods of market weakness.

In fact, thought leaders in the asset management business across the world are recommending diversified alternative investment strategies. One Chairman based in the UK has spoken of the importance of a broad spread during times of weakness and that long-term diversification is crucial in any case.

Meanwhile, the GAIM Middle East conference is making its first appearance in the region, however, GAIM conferences have a history of success around the world, including the United States, Grand Cayman, Europe and Asia. The inaugural event in the Middle East has been designed to help regional investors and the international hedge fund community to construct a diversified investment strategy ensuring that the region's particular conditions are at the forefront of decision makers' minds.

"The region's ratio of assets under management to market capitalization is less than 7.2%. When you compare this figure to a developed market average of around 80%, you can see the enormous potential of the asset management business in the Middle East. The GAIM Middle East conference will address this potential but will also focus attention on managing investments appropriately and the importance of catering for the religious and cultural dimensions that exist in the region," said Jeremy Butcher, Co-Event Director, IIR Middle East.

The three day conference will deal with key issues such as the structuring of Islamic Hedge Funds, the importance of the Middle East as a part of a Global Emerging Markets portfolio and the evolution of the regional market. Meanwhile, the 'pioneer of Islamic finance' according to Banker Middle East, Eric Meyer will focus on the global demand for Shari'ah compliant Hedge Funds in his final day address at the conference.

There are also numerous networking opportunities at the conference with a Dhow Cruise on Dubai's Creek, a GAIM Middle East Golf Classic and a Gala Welcome Dinner hosted by the Event Partner, Dubai International Financial Centre.

The world's stock market instability has dominated the news but GAIM Middle East's positive international exposure has awakened Asset Managers to the conference's unique sponsorship platform. Gold sponsors already include Algebra Capital and Moody's Investor Service, however, IIR have opened up more packages before the deadline closes.