Dubai plays host to Hedge Funds World Conference in February 2005

Hedge Funds World Middle East 2005 is widely recognised as the premier regional event, with first class networking opportunities. The conference will bring together an impressive array of senior alternative investment professionals to discuss a range of issues surround the hedge fund industry and its evolution both globally and in the Middle East.

Man Investments, a global leader in alternative investments, will be a major participant at the conference with three speakers including a keynote address, a chairman and two panellists. The company will also be hosting a one-day pre-conference event on February 28.

More than 40 expert speakers will be presenting on a wide range of industry topics, including:
• Pradeep Mehra, Vice President, managed funds, Arab Banking Corporation (Bahrain)
• Antoine Massad, Head of Middle East & Asia, Man Investments (Dubai)
• Dr Christoph Möller, Managing Director for global sales and marketing, Man Investments (Switzerland)
• Mohamed Seif ElNasr, deputy treasurer, The Saudi National Commercial Bank (Bahrain)
• Dr. Marcel A. Giacometti, President & Founder, Auda Advisor Associates LLC (New York)
• Abdulaziz Abdulmohsen Al Duweesh, fund manager, Treasury & International Securities National Investments Company (Kuwait)
• Sheik Mohamed Al Khalifa, Director of Finance & Investments, General Organisation for Social Insurance (Bahrain)

"The hedge fund industry has evolved rapidly over the past few years, as a growing number of investors have come to recognise the long-term return potential of the asset class and now stands on the brink of becoming a mainstream investment," said Man Investments' Antoine Massad. "Developments over the next couple of years, however, will play a significant role in shaping the future of the industry"

"The Hedge Funds Middle East conference is the single most important event in the region that deals with alternative investments, providing an ideal meeting place for investors and product providers alike to discuss the future development of the industry."

The event will take a forward view at the outlook for Middle Eastern investors and global hedge fund returns, and play host to debates about emerging strategies, both internationally and regionally. Other discussions will focus on innovations in structured products and alternative investment allocations, creating a forum for specialist and novice investors alike.
Man Investments' pre-conference workshop will focus on challenges and opportunities in the hedge fund industry. The global alternative investments firm will examine the impact of tough trading conditions in mid-2004 and look at likely developments in 2005 and beyond, with particular emphasis on the continuing relevance of hedge funds to Arab investors and the development of the alternative investment industry in the Middle East.