Dubai International Financial Centre and Deutsche Bank announce DIFC Forum 2012

The Forum is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of DIFC, and in association with Deutsche Bank, and Emirates Airlines as the Official Airline. DIFC Forum will act as a platform for select business leaders from East and South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and beyond, to discuss their expertise of doing business in the region.

DIFC Forum will be held under the theme "The Shifting Centre of Gravity", and will examine opportunities and challenges in growth markets in the context of the shift of global financial dynamics to these emerging economies. DIFC Forum, which will take place on 21st November at the Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, will also focus on the pivotal role of Dubai in facilitating the emerging trade flows and supporting regional expansion. The debates will highlight regional opportunities for market growth, in the context of trade, investment, capital flows and infrastructure development.

Jeffrey Singer, Chief Executive Officer, DIFC Authority said; "The shifting centre of gravity has various implications for businesses in the region and around the world. The surge of a new wealthy middle class in many Middle Eastern and Asian countries, and the rise of the Renminbi as a global currency are two of many other implications and opportunities in terms of trade and investment flows. All this set against a political backdrop that continues to be very fluid - such as the ongoing regional tremors from the Arab Spring, the change of leadership in China for the next 10 years, the upcoming US elections and the Eurozone governments' response to regional debt issues."

"These are the conditions that gave rise to DIFC Forum, which builds on the success of DIFC Week and MENASA Forum. We are proud to see such enthusiasm by the distinguished list of participating panellists, partners and delegates, comprising influential businesses leaders, government officials and global media groups. We thank Deutsche Bank for its support and collaboration in hosting this event and in addressing the central global trends affecting business. We would also like to thank Emirates Airline for coming on board as our official airline partner and supporting this important initiative in the region," Jeffrey Singer added.

Ashok Aram, Chief Executive Officer Middle East & North Africa Deutsche Bank, said, "Deutsche Bank enjoys a long lasting and deep relationship with the DIFC, and it is indeed a privilege to further emphasize our ongoing commitment through our partnership with the 2012 DIFC Forum. We are very happy to support one of the leading financial Forums in the MENA region for the third time now. Over the last years, Deutsche Bank has been able to establish itself as a market leader in the MENA region and the regional hub in the DIFC has played a critical role towards this objective. Despite the challenging global situation the MENA region continues to offer steady growth prospects and Deutsche Bank is well positioned to benefit from further growth across the region."