Emerging capital markets come under spotlight

HE Sheikha Lubna bint Khaled Al Qasimi, minister of economy and planning in the UAE will open the conference, which is organised by MEED Conferences.

Joining Sheikha Lubna will be Lynton Jones, the newly appointed chairman of the Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX), which is scheduled to open for trading on September 26, 2005.

Jones, the former managing director of NASDAQ International and head of public affairs at the London Stock Exchange, will offer an insight into the successful operating procedures for an international bourse for an expected 250 industry leaders and delegates.

Meanwhile, HE Jammaz Al Suhaimi, chairman of the Saudi Arabian Capital Market Authority, will be named as recipient of a lifetime achievement award; a senior delegation from the authority will attend.

The increased trend towards public offerings and the creation of capital markets in the Middle East and North Africa is testament to the confirmation of the region as a new powerful financial centre according to Edmund O'Sullivan, the conference chairman.

He said: 'The rapid expansion of the Middle East has generated an almost organic need for capital markets and stock trading. It is fitting that two of the most influential figures in the Middle Eastern capital market will open the conference and will spark debate on this key financial milestone.

'Dubai will yet again be leading the way with the opening of its own DIFX but by outlining clear opportunities and pitfalls of IPO listing, this conference will help build a platform for discussion on capital markets throughout the region.'

The Middle East Capital Markets Conference will be held at the Crowne Plaza in Dubai, on September 20 and 21. Already confirmed as sponsors are National Technology Group (NTG), Mubasher, HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, Emirates Financial Services; Gulf Investment Services; Jordinvest; National Investments Company; The National Investor, SHUAA Capital; and Cadillac.