International Monetary Fund issues dire warning on the health of the world's financial markets

Expert opinion is divided as to how deep the forecast global recession will be, and how it will affect powerful economies such as China, India and the Middle East. Some argue that with stocks - as well as confidence - at an all-time low, now is the time to start building a long-term portfolio.

Against this turbulent backdrop, MEED, the business intelligence expert in the Middle East, looks forward to robust debate at the Middle East Capital Markets 2008 conference. In contrast to predictions of doom and gloom elsewhere, economies of the GCC are predicted to grow and continue to diversify. Backed by petrodollars and rich sovereign wealth funds, western companies should be keen to tap into the US$ 5 trillion of investable capital available in the Middle East region.

Whether markets continue to fall or begin to bounce back, investors have never been more in need of expert and insider knowledge on the region's markets. MEED's 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 in today's market, 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.

John Burbank III, Founder and Chief Investment Officer, Passport Capital comments: "The depth and extent of the crisis in the US have a silver lining for emerging markets as more capital will start to flow toward them. Arab markets will benefit from this."

Edmund O'Sullivan, Chairman, MEED Events comments:

"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 releasing liquidity, more robust regulation, and greater transparency. This is a must-attend event for all those with an interest in the future of the markets and future financial growth in the region."

Key industry experts and senior executives contributing to the conference include:
- Tom Healy, Chief Executive Officer, ADX
- Mohannad Sweid, Chief Executive Officer, DEPA
- Ibukun Adebayo, Head of Business Development (Middle East and Africa), LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE
- John Burbank III, Founder and Chief Investment Officer, Passport Capital
- Emad Mostaque, Investment Manager, MENA Fund, PICET
- Abdullah Saleh Al-Suweilmy, Chief Executive Officer, SAUDI STOCK EXCHANGE (TADAWUL)

Delegates for MEED's Middle East Capital Markets 2008 conference should also take advantage of two pre-event workshops examining the importance of rigorous corporate governance and examining the IPO/listing process.

MEED is the acknowledged market-leader in key regional industry-focused events and conferences; delivering expert, up-to-date business intelligence, industry data and research findings.