DFM concludes successful international investor conference in New York

DFM announced that it will hold another investor conference in the Far East during the first quarter of 2008. Speaking at the conclusion ceremony, Essa Kazim, Chairman of Dubai Financial Market, said: 'The upcoming investor conference in the Far East comes in line with our strategic investor relation programmes that was launched earlier this year. We have covered Europe and the US continent, and now we are looking at reaching out to the overseas investment community in the Far East.'

Commenting on the outcome of the conference, Kazim said: 'The New York conference was a great success. The strong participation of institutional investment companies and fund managers confirms that DFM has taken a proactive initiative by organising this conference.'

'We are delighted to sponsor such a forward-looking initiative, which demonstrates DFM's vision to support listed companies and create a new segment of strategic investors as per the market's long-term strategy.'

Fahmi Alghussein, Executive Director, Head of MENA Equities and Distribution, Morgan Stanley, said: 'Institutional interest in the Middle East markets generally, and in DFM-listed companies in particular, has increased significantly recently. Looking ahead, the quality of the institutions that have attended this DFM investor conference, and the feedback we've had on the companies presenting, leads us to expect an increasing focus on the region by US institutions.'

'The very first Dubai Financial Market International Investor conference, held in New York, was a notable success,' said Mahmoud Salem, Head of Middle East DR Business Development for The Bank of New York Mellon. 'In this event, which we co-sponsored with the Dubai Financial Market, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, we were able to match leading international investors with major issuers listed on the DFM. By connecting the MidEast capital markets with the global financial community, we are pleased to be helping DFM-listed issuers access capital and broaden their shareholder base through Depositary Receipts, as we have done with companies from around the globe.'

His Excellency Sheikh Khaled Al Nehayan, Chairman of Islamic Arab Insurance Company, said: 'We are delighted to be part of DFM's NY conference that proved to be a unique opportunity to enhance relations with US-based international institutional investors. Our partnership with DFM comes in line the company's ambitions to widening the investor base. We extend our appreciation to DFM's leading role in attracting foreign investments into the local market.'

Saleh Al-Selmi, Deputy Chairman and Deputy CEO, International Financial Advisors, said: ' We held more than 40 meetings with top US-based institutional investors during the conference. We extend our appreciation to DFM for this initiative aimed at promoting the investment opportunities in DFM and its listed companies. The conference is a practical and efficient tool to target institutional investors and attract international funds to invest in the local market.'

During the investor conference, representatives of listed companies each delivered presentations about their financial activities, expansion plans and operations. Among the participating companies were Agility, Air Arabia, Amlak Finance, Arabtec Holding, ARAMEX, Dubai Financial Market, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emaar Properties, Global Investment House, International Financial Advisors, Islamic Arab Insurance Company, SHUAA Capital, Tamweel Finance and Union Properties.