Borse Dubai concludes investor conference

Dubai: The Borse Dubai International Investor Conference New York 2009 successfully concluded on November 3 with more than 273 meetings attended by 116 fund managers, institutional investors and senior representatives of 15 companies listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and Nasdaq Dubai.

The meetings include 135 one-to-one meetings and 138 group meetings.

The event was organised in cooperation with Citigroup Global Markets and Goldman Sachs, and attended by high-profile New York-based international institutional investors and fund managers.

With a sole open session headed by Eisa Kazim, Chairman, Borse Dubai and Executive Chairman, Dubai Financial Market, and Jeff Singer, Chief Executive, Nasdaq Dubai, the conference was designed to facilitate numerous one-to-one meetings between representatives of listed companies and fund managers and institutional investors, where companies discussed their growth and investment strategies for the future.

Commenting on the outcome of the event, Kazim said: "We are extremely delighted with the outcome of this roadshow as we have seen a tremendous turnout of institutional investors and fund managers, which reflects the high level of interest from the New York-based investors and is a clear testament to the success of this joint initiative."

Interaction

Kazim said the DFM and Nasdaq Dubai offer a unique opportunity for companies to discuss common goals and strategies with international institutions.

"We are confident about the real value of such roadshows in supporting the development and growth of our listed companies and attracting investors from the international markets to diversify the shareholder base," Kazim added.

DFM and Nasdaq Dubai-listed companies' representatives welcomed the joint initiative from DFM and Nasdaq Dubai and stressed the importance of the conference as an ideal platform to showcase growth strategies of their respective companies.

Osama Fattaleh, Chief Operating Officer, Aramex, said: "As a listed company with the highest foreign ownership on DFM and a large number of institutional investors, it is imperative for Aramex to present its strategy to the financial community in New York.

"Such international roadshows serve as an excellent platform for listed companies such as ours to maintain and further develop relations with institutional investors and fund managers across global financial capitals."

Noor Sweid, Managing Director of Strategy, Depa, said: "The conference was a very well organised and a great opportunity to bring DFM and Nasdaq Dubai companies together with the highly regarded investment funds. The timing was also well chosen as the investment sentiment has improved globally and significantly in the region."

The listed companies taking part in the roadshow were 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.