The Borse Dubai International Investor Conference New York 2009 has opened, co-hosted by Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and NASDAQ Dubai, in cooperation with Citigroup Global Markets and Goldman Sachs. Dozens of meetings are taking place between listed companies on the two exchanges and international investors.
Essa Kazim, Chairman, Borse Dubai Limited and Executive Chairman, DFM, and Jeff Singer, Chief Executive, NASDAQ Dubai, are taking part alongside a distinguished line-up of senior executives representing 15 listed companies, who are updating New York-based fund managers and other investors on their companies’ recent successes and prospects. A considerable number of New York -based institutional investors and fund managers are attending the November 2-3 conference.
Commenting on this important event, Mr. Kazim said: “New York-based international investors have shown great interest in meeting Dubai listed companies, which reflects the huge appetite towards our companies. The two exchanges of Dubai are offering international investors a unique opportunity to benefit from the expanding regional economy through a diversified list of companies representing key business sectors, in addition to many incentives such as the absence of income and capital gains tax, the unrestricted repatriation of capital and the minimal exchange rate risk.
“Financial markets in Dubai have attracted growing interest from international fund managers. Recently, FTSE, the leading index provider, announced the promotion of the UAE market to a ‘secondary emerging’ market from September 2010. Furthermore, the UAE status will be reviewed by MSCI with the possibility of a promotion from ‘frontier market’ to ‘emerging market’ in 2010, which acknowledges the positive developments that have already taken place in our markets. Undoubtedly, the increased presence of international investments in our markets, especially from institutional investors with a solid track record of long-term, stable investments will help consolidate our global market position. Currently, foreign investors represent over a third of trading value at DFM,” Mr. Kazim added.
Jeff Singer, Chief Executive of NASDAQ Dubai, said: “This conference is an excellent opportunity to provide US-based investors with information about a wealthy region which welcomes foreign investors in many of its companies. NASDAQ Dubai has created an investment environment in the Middle East that is similar to other international exchanges around the world in centres such as New York and London. This includes first class regulation, easy access for investors through most of the world’s leading investment banks, and familiar trading rules.”
The event has received a positive response from the listed companies. Mohammed Sharaf, Chief Executive Officer, DP World, said: "DP World is delighted to be part of the group of Dubai companies meeting investors in the US. We are very focused on building relationships with the international investment community and believe this roadshow will provide an excellent opportunity for investors to meet all those companies that are integral to the past, present and future growth of Dubai.”
Zeina Tabari, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Drake and Scull International, said:”The Dubai Financial Market is being very proactive in its approach to bringing more investment into the region. There are still many opportunities for growth in the GCC, which we want to showcase. Our company continues its growth and the GCC in general is still one of the fastest growing regions in terms of development, business and population. All of this, combined with the vast oil wealth, provides an abundance of investment and growth opportunities.”
In response to the high level of demand, DFM and NASDAQ Dubai will replicate this successful event across other financial centers in the near future. The conference is the latest of DFM’s annual series of international road shows that have taken its listed companies to leading financial centers such as London and New York. NASDAQ Dubai, the region’s international exchange, is taking part for the first time. Both exchanges are majority-owned by Borse Dubai; NASDAQ Dubai is one-third owned by NASDAQ OMX.
The listed companies taking part in the roadshow are: Air Arabia, Aramex, Depa, Dubai Islamic Bank, Dubai Financial Market Company, Emaar, Emirates NBD, DP World, Drake and Scull International, Hikma Pharmaceuticals, IFA, Mazaya Holding, NetSol, Arabtec and SHUAA Capital.