Middle East's first trading arcade - DubaiPTG - reports more than one million contracts traded per month

Since launching in December 2007, DubaiPTG has succeeded in attracting a number of top independent traders from both Europe and the Middle East, leading to a growth in trading volumes that have risen quickly, with contracts traded increasing by 80% between May and July 2008.

"Having surpassed the 'one million lots per month' milestone, DubaiPTG's volumes are now materially higher than the total of all contracts being traded on the UAE's derivatives exchanges," said James Hume, Chairman of DubaiPTG.

"Reaching this volume at the six-month point in DubaiPTG's evolution also underscores Dubai's rapidly growing status as a major financial hub and the viability of DubaiPTG's business model."

DubaiPTG's high-tech trading room, first-rate facilities and sophisticated risk management systems provide professional traders with everything they need to trade more than 47 global financial markets.

And, despite the current comparatively lower volumes in local exchanges, DubaiPTG has had no problem in attracting traders, from both the Middle East and abroad, leading to increasing volumes that exceed the Company's original projections.

"We currently have ten traders operating full-time in the arcade, with a further ten traders on track to join this quarter," said Benedict Floyd, Executive Director, DubaiPTG. "Coupled with a waiting list for our intensive trader training course, we anticipate that DubaiPTG will operate with up to 35 traders by the end of 2008, reaching more than 60 traders in total within the next 12-18 months."

Traders from international markets have been initially attracted to DubaiPTG on the strength of Dubai's tax-free status, central position and lifestyle benefits.

In addition, DubaiPTG offers its traders first class operational facilities including the most up-to-date technology and unfettered market access across the globe as well as its Total Assistance Programme, a turn-key solution for traders relocating to Dubai.

DubaiPTG provides both full-time traders and trainees with the facilities to trade the world's financial markets, giving them access to sophisticated trading technology, direct access to the world's exchanges through dedicated leased lines, market data, analytics, clearing and settlement services, and the benefit of wholesale rates of commission on each trade.

The trading arcade -- a joint venture between experienced Dubai-based market professionals and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre - a Government of Dubai initiative, is the first trading hub in the Middle East for both professional and new traders looking to establish a base in one of the world's fastest-growing, safest and exciting cities.

In addition to providing a platform for full-time traders to trade contacts, DubaiPTG runs a competitive in-house, hands-on training programme for regionally-based professionals who seek a dynamic new career in trading both regional and global financial markets.