First GAIM Middle East conference to feature world renowned leading investors

Organized by IIR, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman, Dubai Executive Council, the inaugural Summit will highlight the latest alternative investment strategies with a focus on lucrative emerging market opportunities and local needs. More than 60 high-profile speakers from 14 different countries will lead the conference through 25 comprehensive sessions.

One of the highlights of GAIM Middle East includes Dr. Nasser H. Saidi, Chief Economist of Dubai International Financial Centre, who will discuss how DIFC is working with local service providers to create a one-stop shop for fund managers and investors. The pioneer in Islamic finance, Eric Meyer, CEO of Shariah Capital will focus attention on the growing demand for Shariah compliant hedge fund products and the significance of having a global Shariah platform. And the Honorable Dr. Philippa Malmgren, President of The Canonbury Group will highlight how geo-politics affect the world financial markets.

"We are proud to say that we have gathered the world's leading investors and portfolio managers from the most influential hedge funds and private equity firms to speak at the Middle East's first Global Alternative Investment Management conference. GAIM Middle East has been designed to help both regional investors and the international hedge fund community construct a diversified alternative investment portfolio, locate global investment opportunities as well as leverage prospects in the Middle East,"

said Jeremy Butcher, Co-Event Director, IIR Middle East.

Led by Islamic Finance expert, Dr. Monzer Kahf, the pre-conference workshop will talk about structuring an Islamic hedge fund. A host of financial experts with renowned track records from Investcorp Bank, Abraaj Capital, Algebra Capital, Abu Dhabi Investment House, Dubai Islamic Bank, MENA Capital and HSBC will share their experience throughout the comprehensive sessions. Some of the topics covered by the world's leading financial experts include the evolution of alternative investment products and markets in the Middle East, the Middle East Investor and strategies for incorporating Shariah compliant hedge fund products.

"As the first GAIM Middle East Conference, this is set to be a high profile and groundbreaking alternative investment event, and as such we at the DIFC are honoured to be involved as a strategic partner. This conference underlines the wealth of opportunities arising in the Middle East for both the international and local investment community, and the DIFC's participation is a reflection of our confidence in the increasing potential of this sector and this region," Sandy Shipton, Executive Director - Wealth Management, Dubai International Financial Centre.

The event is expected to draw international attention and the conference's impact has been bolstered by high level sponsorship from a number of leading organizations including Algebra Capital, Baer Capital Partners, W.P. Stewart, Gulf Investment Corporation, Argent Financial Group International, National Investments Company and Path solutions, while the official event partner is Dubai International Financial Centre.