Investors flock to first day of GAIM

The conference is outlining the need for regional investors to diversify, in light of the recent stock market turbulence witnessed globally.

Organized by IIR, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman, Dubai Executive Council, the inaugural Summit has highlighted 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 are leading 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 highlighted today how geo-politics is affecting 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.

"We've launched GAIM Middle East due to the oil industry's long term success and the subsequent creation of an established wealthy class of investors who now need more sophisticated investment vehicles. In addition to that regional investors are more investment savvy and are asking for innovative alternative asset investment products to complement their portfolios," added Butcher.

Led by Islamic Finance expert, Dr. Monzer Kahf, the pre-conference workshop on Monday discussed the structure make-up of 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 are sharing their experience throughout the comprehensive sessions.

Meanwhile, the reaction from sponsors has been exception with a number of key sponsors, such as 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.