Investment and capital raising opportunities in the Gulf explored

The two-day event - being held under the patronage of H.E. Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, the UAE Minister of Economy - brings together more than 200 senior investment industry figures and a 40-strong expert speaker panel including international investors, economists, fund managers and corporate issuers.

Edmund O'Sullivan, Chairman, MEED Events said,

'Following the market corrections of 2006, equities in the region are undervalued. Yet many investors are still wary. They need hard data and insight into market trends - like the growth of Sukuks - if they are to regain their confidence. Middle East Capital Markets 2007 is tailored to provide exactly that level of invaluable information for anyone working with investors and investments, or looking to raise capital across the region.'

Timothy Gray, CEO of HSBC Saudi Arabia and one of the keynote speakers at Middle East Capital Markets 2007, added:

'With recent IPOs like Kingdom Holding creating global interest, there's never been a better time to gain greater understanding of the opportunities presented by the Saudi Tadawul. HSBC's global network combined with detailed local knowledge means we can provide real tailored advice for investors or those considered using the bourse to raise capital. At Middle East Capital Markets 2007 one of our key areas of focus will be on the opportunities open to overseas investors, and the legislation and regulation that they really need to be aware of before they make any decisions.'

Other confirmed expert speakers at Middle East Capital Markets 2007 include: Henry Azzam, CEO Middle East and North Africa, Deutsche Bank; Simon Rudolf, Executive Vice President, Portfolio Manager, Templeton Global Equities; John D'Cunha, Chief Operating Officer, Deyaar; and Essa Kazim, Chairman, Dubai Financial Market and Borse Dubai.

With senior figures from companies including The Bank of New York, Merrill Lynch, Global Investment House, Morgan Stanley, and NBK Capital already confirmed to attend, the event promises unrivalled deal-making prospects and opportunities for networking.

The platinum sponsor for Middle East Capital Markets 2007 is HSBC, one of the largest banking and financial services organisations in the world with an international network comprising over 10,000 offices in 83 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa.

MEED is the acknowledged market-leader in key regional industry-focused events and conferences; delivering expert, up-to-date business insights, industry data and research findings.