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Positive investor sentiment is reflected in the number of initial public offerings (IPOs) going out to the Middle East markets which have increased year on year from 12 in 2004 to around 140 predicted for 2008 - 2010. The total capital raised by IPOs in the first half of 2008 amounted to US$ 8.69 billion compared to US$4.83 billion during the same period the previous year, a report by Ernst & Young Middle East recently found. It is forecast that IPO activity will continue to boost GCC markets for now.
But how long can the region continue to experience growth given the international climate? The ways in which regional stock exchanges continue to boost their credibility with investors will play a key role in determining the answer to this question.
MEED's Middle East Capital Markets 2008 conference comes at a time when there has never been a greater need for expertise to evaluate the strengths of the region's financial markets. The Middle East Capital Markets 2008 conference aims to help investors understand and make the most of the opportunities on offer in the region now and in the future.
An established event - now in its seventh year - MEED's two-day conference will explore the key issues and challenges, and highlight the enormous potential for those involved both in increasing the influence of regional Middle East exchanges and those investing in financial markets here. Sponsored by HSBC and other leading financial institutions, the conference will be held between 20 and 22 October 2008 at the Park Hyatt Hotel, Dubai.
Edmund O'Sullivan, Chairman, MEED Events comments:
"The Middle East Capital Markets 2008 conference presents a unique opportunity to bring those with knowledge and expertise together to discuss whether the Middle East's exchanges are on track to develop to their fullest potential. The conference will address topical issues such as how to attract international investment; de-mystifying the listing process; the role of sovereign wealth funds; regulation models and importantly, where to invest in 2009."
"As the credit crunch continues to bite, there has never been a better time to address the key issues causing concern to those working and investing in the Gulf's capital markets, namely robust regulation, greater transparency and of course, raising liquidity. This is a must-attend event for all those with an interest in the future financial growth of the region."
Posted by Ehab Al-Abbadi
