First Middle East Investor Relations Forum to be held during DIFC Week

The forum will address issues and topics of relevance in today's rapidly changing capital markets. Among key topics that the forum will review are: international investor relations (IR) best practices; IR standards in the region; developing effective IR strategies; and tapping and engaging with foreign investors.

The first edition of the forum will be held on November 23, 2008, during the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Week.

This announcement comes on the heels of the signing of a knowledge partnership agreement between ME-IR Society and the DIFC for its 3rd Annual DIFC Week series of conferences and events from the 23rd to 26th of November, 2008. In addition to the sharing of insights and infrastructure between the two bodies, the ME-IR Society will also hold its second board meeting at the DIFC on November 23, 2008, along the sidelines of the DIFC Week.

"We are delighted to announce the signing of this agreement with the DIFC, which provides both organisations with an enhanced platform to increase awareness about the importance of international best practices and the need for greater and more efficient capital market communications. In addition, the ME-IR Society will also function as a communication channel with the wider investment community, such as exchanges and regulators,"

said Arif Amiri, Chairman, ME-IR Society.

"Especially during this period of sustained challenges to the stability of the global economy," Amiri added, "investor relations professionals play a critical role in retaining and attracting investment from around the globe to our capital markets. The ME-IR Society intends to facilitate precisely such activity."

"As one of the world's most dynamic financial centres, the DIFC is dedicated to facilitating not just the flow of capital but also the transfer of knowledge and best practices from across the globe," said Nasser Al Shaali, CEO, DIFC. "We believe that the ME-IR Society will make an important contribution to the ongoing dialogue within the investor relations community, the financial community, government and regulatory bodies - both here in the region and worldwide - and are very pleased to provide the Society with our support."

Following its inaugural meeting in July, the ME-IR Society also announced today a number of new appointments to its Board of Directors, which already includes leading regional senior executives, IR professionals and capital markets participants from firms such as Bank of New York Mellon, Depa, Dewey and LeBoeuf, Du, Emaar Properties, Investcorp, Millennium Finance Corporation, TAQA and Thomson Reuters. Newly appointed members of the board include Nicholas Swierzy, Head of Investor Relations, Qatar Telecom - Qtel; and Hassan Badrawi, Vice President, Orascom Construction Industries.

The ME-IRS is committed to increasing awareness of investor relations techniques and best practices internationally, and will seek future cooperation with international bodies such as the Investor Relations Society, UK, and the National Investor Relations Institute, USA.