Global Investment House wins "Best Real Estate Research House in Kuwait for 2008"

Mr. Omar El-Quqa, Executive Vice President at Global said, "We are honored to be recognized by the Euromoney Liquid Real Estate Awards as the "Best Real Estate Research House in Kuwait". Mr. El-Quqa affirmed Global's mission to add value and make a difference through its meticulous, accurate, and credible research reports.

Mr. El-Quqa added, "Global's research is that of superb quality which enables investors to make informed decisions leading to an increased level of awareness of investors". He further expressed his appreciation to Global's Research Department for their commitment to create quality research.

In an event held on the evening of Thursday October 2nd, at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, London, and attended by a number of local and international media and business personalities, Mr. Clive Hardwood, Editor of Euromoney Magazine and Mr. Giles Brandreth, Former MP and Former Lord Commissioner of the Treasury, UK presented the award to Mr. Faisal Hasan, Vice President and Head of Research at Global.

Mr. Hasan said:

"We are delighted to receive this prestigious award, it affirms our stance that research is a valuable instrument that serves as a prelude to rewarding investments if equipped with proper scientific research and knowledge which are an integral element of a vibrant and sound economic environment."

Euromoney's Liquid Real Estate Awards are amongst the most prestigious in international real estate. The 2008 awards were presented after Euromoney's Fourth Annual Real Estate Survey which examined the opinions of real estate developers, advisors, investors and end-users in over 80 countries. The survey interviewed over 800 organizations, where competition is extremely tough.

The Real Estate sector forms an integral part of the regional economy and has gathered significant momentum in recent as a result of factors such as high population growth rates, influx of expatriates, and favorable demographics. Mr. Hasan emphasized that the Real Estate sector has emerged as an important asset class in recent years, ensuing governments' focus on economic diversification and consequent favorable regulations.

On the importance of the Real Estate sector in the economy, Mr. Hasan explained, "It is imperative that investors should take informed decisions keeping in view the significant developments in the sector." He added, "Research plays a significant role in this".

Mr. Hasan continued, "Global has been at the forefront of providing consistent high quality research on the regional Real Estate Sector".

Mr. Hasan concluded, "The significance of research in any asset class can never be underestimated. Global research has been instrumental in spreading awareness regarding issues not only related to the functionality of the asset class and that of companies listed on it but also that of its impact on the economy".

It is worth mentioning that Global was the first company in Kuwait to produce in-depth research reports on a regular basis. These research reports revolve around topics ranging from equity research to country reports and have been recognized as one of the best in the region by Euromoney. Global's research includes company reports, industry reports, market reports, and economic reports. Global has a list of indices that are based on International Finance Corporation (IFC) formulas which cover Kuwait and the region. Spurred by demand, Global indices are published in several media outlets such as daily newspapers, business newspapers, magazines and business websites such as Reuters and Bloomberg.