Middle East increases activity in Dhs9.84 trillion global hedge fund industry

Increasing regional opportunities in alternative assets, specifically the Dhs9.84 trillion global hedge fund industry, will be explored during the Hedge Funds World Middle East 2008 Conference, to be held from March 03 to 06, 2008, at the Madinat Jumeirah Hotel in Dubai.

As media partner of the event, Eye of Dubai, the premier tourism and investment guidebook and online portal for Dubai residents and visitors, has been selected to send a representative to join 750 other elite delegates to the 9th edition of this year's conference.

Keynote speaker Peter Clarke, CEO of Man Group PLC, the world's largest listed hedge fund provider, will provide valuable insights on global trends affecting the sector and the businesses operating within it.

Abdullah Al Harbi, CEO, Eye of Dubai said:

"Part of Eye of Dubai's mission is to collaborate with prominent industry events such as Hedge Funds World Middle East, where we can use our extensive market reach to promote the excellent investment climate offered by Dubai and the UAE as a whole. We will capitalize on our participation in this premier event, which is considered the region's leading investor conference, to get the important views of renowned strategists, global macro traders, economists and investors on the potential of alternative asset instruments such as hedge funds in the region. The Middle East is fast gaining prominence as a global financial hub, and hedge funds is a growth area, particularly as it complements diversification efforts in the region".

Hedge Funds World Middle East 2008 will include a pre-conference workshop on March 03, the conference proper on March 04-05, and a master class on March 06.

It will also recognise and honour companies and individuals who have set standards of excellence, led the way in best practices and will be future pillars of the hedge funds sector via an Awards Ceremony on the eve of its second day.

Award categories will include Best Fund of Fund; Best Newcomer; Best Institutional Hedge Fund Manager; Most Innovative Project; Best Retail Product Provider; Best Fund Administrator; and Best New Fund.

The Hedge Funds World Middle East Awards are rapidly becoming highly coveted industry prizes.

"This year's conference will be different from the usual business-driven tone of previous editions; organisers have decided to adopt a festival environment so that the event provides a fun, dynamic and motivating experience.

Eye of Dubai shares this vision of showcasing business opportunities while celebrating the lighter side of living in the region. We will continue to support this event as it is a major boost to promoting Dubai in particular and the UAE in general as both a financial and lifestyle hub," concluded Al Harbi.

Eye of Dubai offers a wide range of interactive services and other resources related to business, culture, lifestyle and financial news in Dubai.

It has been a recipient of several awards, including 'Best Website of the Year,' 'Gold Award for Best Travel and Tourism Website' and 'Gold Award for Directories and Info Services' at the 2007 UAE Web Wards.

It also won 'Best Strategic Website for Travel and Tourism,' 'International Standards Web technology Award' and 'Gold Award for Best Travel and Tourism Website' during the Pan Arab Web Awards 2007.