World Summit on Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Dialogue with world leaders and innovators and be part of shaping the future of the Arab world with innovation as the key instrument for global competitiveness and peace: this is the mantra of the 2008 World Summit on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (2008 WSIE), the most inspiring gathering of its kind, taking place in Dubai, UAE, 1-3 April 2008.

"The future of the Arab World belongs to the present majority of the youth population under 20 years of age. This Summit seeks to challenge the status quo, dispute facts and figures, and urge world leaders to commit to solutions that empower young arab leaders with the knowledge, the resources and the policy environment needed for their successful future," said Sam Hamdan, Chairman and Chief Strategist of the Global Leadership Team and Architect of WSIE.

"Dubai offers an ideal model for economic cooperation, cultural diversity and policy innovation. Arab leadership across all parts of society must be inspired by the Dubai experience and collaborate to provide the economic, social and policy foundations that provide hope for all youth, women and aspiring entrepreneurs." "The Arab World presents remarkable opportunities ahead, but we are confident in the social and spiritual qualities of the new generation of leaders bound by their commitment to invent and co-exist," said Hamdan. "If we can invent together, we can live together," he added to sum up the theme of the 2008 WSIE.

The event will be held under the Patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, President of the Executive Council of Dubai and Chairman of Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment For Young Business Leaders, under the theme ; "Our Future. Inspired by Innovation Selected delegates will come together from all walks of life to participate in illuminating experiences that will inspire, excite and entertain them. Sparks of curiosity will unleash their inner-innovators - helping them to see beyond, and act on solutions that will empower and cultivate the Arab leaders of business, government and society that the region and the world will need for sustainable growth and a better future for all.

"The Arab World is teeming with a renewed sense of energy and confidence that if appropriately tapped, will certainly unleash its potential for higher growth across multiple dimensions. WSIE is a unique platform that brings creative minds that constantly challenges the status quo and push the envelope for an improved state of being tomorrow,'' said Abdul Baset Al Janahi, CEO, Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Young Business Leaders. WAM

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Dubai preparing for COPEDEC conference

Dubai will host the 7th international summit on Coastal and Port Engineering in Developing Countries (COPEDEC) from 24 to 28 February 2008 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Dubai.

Director General of Dubai Municipality Hussain Nasser Lootah said that the conference draws major importance as it is the first event of its kind in the Middle East.

The total investment on coastal development projects in the Gulf region alone is valued at USD 100.

The conference will bring together over 1000 marine engineers and scientists from around the world to exchange know-how and experience. (WAM)

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First Middle East aviation outlook summit to be held in Abu Dhabi

The First Middle East Aviation Outlook Summit, to be held in Abu Dhabi on 27-28 February 2008, is generating a great deal of interest within the highest levels of the aviation industry, regionally and globally.

According to Symon Rubens, Managing Director of Terrapinn Middle East, the world- leading business media company which is organising this pioneering event, a large number of the key decision makers have already confirmed their participation, either as speakers or delegates.

"Senior executives, including many airline CEO's, are realising that this is one of the most important and significant aviation conferences ever to be held in the Middle East region and consequently registrations are well ahead of our expectations," he said. "The standing of the summit is boosted by the involvement of The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), which is co-staging the event with us." CAPA has built an international reputation as the leading specialist aviation consultancy in the Asia Pacific, the Indian Subcontinent and Middle East regions and the latter is generally regarded as the most exciting aviation market in the world.

The latest name(s) to join the world class line-up of speakers which includes H.E Khalifa Al Mazrouei; Chairman, Abu Dhabi Airports Company; James Hogan, CEO, Etihad Airways; Azran Osmar-Rani, CEO, AirAsia X ; Peter Harbison, Executive Chairman, Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation and Abdul Wahab Teffaha;, Secretary General, Arab Air Carriers' Organisation (AACO); are Mubarak Hamad Al Muhairi, Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Lee Tabler, CEO, Tourism Development Investment Co and Eng. Amiruddin Abu, Director Advertising Division, Tourism Malaysia.

"Airlines and airports in the Middle East region are slated to have the potential to sustainably grow at levels which were previously unimaginable. It is a region that can no longer be ignored," says CAPA Executive Chairman, Peter Harbison, "This Summit will therefore be a vital networking and discussion forum for the industry to come together to understand the implications of many major new developments, which collectively could rewrite the world aviation system.

An unprecedented assembly of some 250 industry leaders including government ministers and CEOs from all major airlines, airports, investors, suppliers and tourism/property developers with an interest in the region, are expected to attend the event at the prestigious Beach Rotana Hotel & Towers. Abu Dhabi Airports Company and Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority are the Host Sponsors, while Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, is the Official Carrier. (WAM)

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ME Aviation Safety Summit on January 16

The UAE General Civil Aviation Authority and Abu Dhabi Airport Company (ADAC) will hold the first Middle East (ME) Aviation Safety Summit on January 16 at the Al Ghazal Golf Club in the capital, a statement from ADAC said recently.

The high-profile event would engage key players in the field of aviation industry and discuss the implementation of the Global Aviation Safety Roadmap in the Middle East and focus on issues concerning safety in the aviation industry.

The summit is being convened under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister. Source

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Experts call for 'free' stock markets in GCC

Industry players yesterday stressed the importance of a "free" stock market over a "regulated" one in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, as they said that the region could be a major capital provider worldwide.

Speaking at the opening of the 5th GCC Stock Market Summit, experts bucked suggestions to help regulate share prices and urged for the "transparency" of transactions by publicly traded companies and the availability of "enough" market information from regulatory bodies.
"By enough I mean reliable pieces of information that are in sync with the real values..." said Armen Papazian, senior vice-president of innovation and development at the Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX).
Meanwhile, the head of research and investment advisory at Al Rajhi Bank in Saudi Arabia, Saleh Alsuhaibani, said the merging and buying out sprees by regional companies have made "imprints" on the local bourses.
He said the GCC companies' worldwide mergers and acquisitions, including transactions routed through third countries, have reached Dh216.65 billion ($59 billion) this year as compared to last year's Dh96.6 billion ($26.31 billion).
He also said these have highlighted the global reach and expertise of regional companies, provided "greater depth" to the local markets, consolidated some telecoms firms and banks, and developed the local bond market.
"The region can be a major capital provider to the world, as it has been investing in foreign markets since the last oil boom," he said in a released presentation. "It makes sense for the member states to develop their own local market and attract foreign companies to list."
The UAE led in the share of acquiring companies since 2003 at 50.5 per cent followed by Saudi Arabia at 23.5 per cent, Kuwait at 10.2 per cent, Qatar at 6.5 per cent Bahrain at 5.8 per cent and Oman at 0.2 per cent.
Stressing that he was at the event on his "own personal capacity", Papazian said governments and regulators must approve a single uniform information on the economies to help buyers gauge planned investments in the stock market.
"Governments and regulators must patiently support the maturation process of the markets in the region," he said, noting that different economic figures released by a number of agencies are not very helpful for investors.
What the public needs, he stressed, is having access to education and information programmes such as investment manuals written in simple language in both English and Arabic. He said these are good tools for gauging market risks and chances, as "uncertainty is part of life".
Publicly listed companies could do better as well by informing the public of the real value of their new investments or where and how newly generated funds be invested, said to Akram Yosri, managing partner at 3I Capital Group, a global investment firm.
He said regulators should "get out of the way" and let the market decide for itself. He stressed that the role of regulators is to protect investors by upholding transparency among listed companies.
Alsuhaibani said the industrial sector was mostly targeted for mergers and acquisitions, getting a 25-per cent share as compared to the banks and financial firms with 20 per cent and 15 per cent for "other" sectors. The rest are distributed among the telecoms, logistics, oil and gas, airlines and aerospace, hotels, consumer and retailing and services.
He cited the recent merger between Emirates Bank International and the National Bank of Dubai, saying that similar deals are expected in the "near future", and Dubai's state-owned DP World, which last year seized control of Britain's most famous maritime company, P&O, through a bid of Dh24.6 billion (3.3 billion pounds).
He also mentioned the acquisition of the global plastic resins supplier, GE Plastics, by Saudi Basic Industries Corporation for Dh42.6 billion ($11.6 billion) in May.
"The region's surplus renders it to be the supplier of capital to the world at large," he said. "This trend has been facilitated by the rise of sukuk (Islamic bonds) as a vehicle to this end."
He added that the GCC, which is awash with cash from high oil and gas receipts and has young and fast growing population, is looking out for firms that would create jobs and provide expertise to sustain economic growth. Source

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GCC Summit opens in Doha

The 28th Summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) opened here today amid participation of leaders of the six member countries. Other dignitaries at the summit included the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad The UAE delegation to the summit is headed by President H.H Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

In his opening remarks, the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani praised the progress by the GCC states during the last two decades. He cautioned however that past achievement were still below the expectations of the GCC peoples.
Citing the challenges facing the GCC regional such as the war in Iraq, the Iranian nuclear progarmme and conflict in the Middle East, Sheikh Hamad stressed the need to address these issues peacefully, adding that the region cannot afford more tensions which could retard the development and progress of the region.(WAM)

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Third OPEC Summit concludes with Riyadh Declaration

The Third Summit of Heads of State and Government of OPEC Member Countries concluded here today issuing a call to the international community to protect the stability of global energy markets, reaffirming the need to use energy for sustainable development and emphasizing the importance of protecting environment.

The third summit in the organisation's history underlined the interrelationship between security of supply and the security of demand, and reiterated their commitment to ensure adequate supply of oil to maintain stability in global energy market and achieve economic prosperity.
The Heads of States and government of OPEC member countries also promised to support the fight against climatic changes and global warming.
The summit also reiterated its support to the sustainable development of the world countries and the continued assistance for the developing nations in order to achieve the United Nations Millennium Development Goals.
In the final session of the third summit chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Shrines, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, the Heads of states of OPEC member countries reiterated the commitment of the member countries to conserve, efficiently manage and prolong the exploitation of their exhaustible petroleum resources, in order to promote sustainable development and the welfare of future generations.
The final communique of the summit, the 'Riyadh Declaration' was read out by Secretary General of OPEC Abdullah Bin Salem Al Badri at the King Abdul Aziz International Conference Centre.
The following is the full text of the solemn declaration of the third OPEC summit: We, the Heads of State and Government of Member Countries of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), continuing in the spirit of our First and Second Summits held in Algiers and Caracas in 1975 and 2000, respectively, have accepted the invitation extended by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, to meet for our Third Summit in Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 17 to 18 November 2007. Source

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Abu Dhabi hosts the world's largest renewable energy summit

More than 80 heads of state, ministers, business, and science and environment leaders from the global renewable energy community will speak at the inaugural World Future Energy Summit taking place on January 21 to 23, 2008, in Abu Dhabi, establishing the event as one of the most important on the international calendar.
Hosted by Masdar, Abu Dhabi's multi-billion dollar, multi-faceted response to the need for a global focus on alternative energy and sustainability, WFES 08 will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre under the patronage of HH General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

The World Future Energy Summit consists of a high-level global leadership conference expected to attract 1,000 delegates, and an industry exhibition featuring more than 200 exhibitors. The summit will welcome more than 5,000 international visitors.
Masdar CEO Dr. Sultan Al Jaber said WFES08 is part of Masdar's aim to provide a platform for global cooperation on issues of energy demand and energy sustainability.
'For almost half a century, Abu Dhabi has been a world leader in energy production. In keeping with our leadership responsibility, we have chosen to direct our resources towards the development and implementation of alternative sources of energy, and the World Future Energy Summit is one means towards that end,' he said. 'The Summit will help diverse audiences in our region and around the world explore the full potential of renewable energy, and will hopefully move the world one step closer to a new understanding of energy.' WFES08 will be a critical forum to openly address some of the most pressing challenges of our times - energy conservation, energy security, the environment and sustainable development - and engage new audiences in the search for solutions, Dr. Al Jaber added.
'Advanced energy technologies are not just the domain of scientists and researchers, but present vast new business opportunities,' Dr. Al Jaber said. 'WFES08 will help boost knowledge and capability by involving these and other diverse stakeholders.' The WFES08 conference is designed to drive the interface between research, academia, policy and business in the commercialization of new energy technologies, and includes sessions focused on technology and commerce, finance and investment, research and education, policy and strategy, carbon management, clean transport and energy efficiency, green property and sustainable communities, biofuels, geo-thermal, wind and solar power.
The conference and exhibition will be hosted at the new Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, with over 25,000sqm housing feature areas such as the Credit Suisse Innovation Zone, the Standard Chartered Future Theatre, the Total VIP Lounge, Shell Meet at the Globe and the Dolphin Energy Time Out Pavilion.
Conference organizer and Chairman of Turret Middle East Richard Hease, said response to the summit has been overwhelming.
'This exceptional event has surpassed all expectations and we are confident that WFES and Abu Dhabi will become an important catalyst for global change and thinking in this critical field of future and sustainable energy,' he said.
WFES will see over 200 international exhibitors including pavilions from Japan, China, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, India and France. Entrance is free to visitors who pre-register and open to all.
Ahmad Humaid Al Mazrouie, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, said: 'We are proud to play our part in delivering Abu Dhabi's vision to be the global hub of renewable energy via the visionary Masdar Initiative. Ours is a winning combination: the most modern exhibition venue in the world at the service of one of the boldest, most far-sighted initiatives to emerge from the region.' The World Future Energy Summit 2008 is hosted and presented by Masdar, with principal sponsor Credit Suisse, platinum sponsors BP, Shell and Standard Chartered and gold sponsors International Power, Total, Dolphin Energy and Occidental. Source

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Dubai will host Oil & Gas ICT (OT Summit) in November

Dependence of oil and gas industries on communication and information technology has become an essential tool for production in our recent time, commented Khalid Eid, Managing Director of the Dubai - based World Development Forum (WDF), the organizer of the three-day event.
Oil and gas are the backbone of modern era. They are the core of economics for most countries of the region. Hence each step towards the development of the Oil and Gas industry will significantly contribute to economic development and evolution?, said Mr Eid.

Citing statistics of the International Energy Agency, he said that long-term economic growth expectations for year 2005 to 2030 range between 2.8 per cent and 3.8 per cent per annum. It is anticipated that economics of developed countries will witness a growth rate of 5.8 per cent and 3.9 per cent annually from the year 2015 until 2030, he said.
Meanwhile, growth rate for Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) will remain 2.9 per cent until 2015, he said. Recent expectations indicate that world energy demand will be increased by 5.1 per cent per annum by the year 2030 compared to earlier anticipations.
Linking various operations in different locations, is one of the major benefit of information technology. For example an offshore engineer in gulf water can view and respond to downhole data in real time from a well in Azerbaijan significantly enhances ongoing operations?, said Mr Eid.
He said " in fact information technology is no more a mere assistant tool for developing economies but rather a leading factor in this domain. Continuous evolution in ICT has led to the development of what is known as Digital Oil Field.
The basic infrastructure of these fields depends on communication and information technology, he said, adding that this concept has proved to be efficient and cost-effective in various oil sectors.
Industry experts always describe the Oil & Gas as highly dependent on sophisticated (ICT) to achieve their business goals. Whether it is the complex analysis of seismic data below a salt dome, or global integration of procurement of goods and services, ICT has become key to business success, said Mr Eid. While other industries have, to an extent, a degree of choice about where they are located, enabling them to take advantage of favorable factors including proven ICT infrastructure; the oil and gas industry is largely confined to sites where raw materials are available and which are often remote.
This emphasises that communication and information technology are the core elements for building up a modern infrastructure for oil and gas sector, he added.
He stressed that the need for securing technical & human expertise in various and remote areas has prompted intentional companies to deploy the concept of the Virtual Organization.
Mr Eid explained that this concept facilitates mobility of data and information from the field in real time, using advanced ICT to be processed in data centers and translated into business intelligence feeding decision support systems which offer the decision maker the "optimal solution" based on the science of " operation research" , ICT made this a reality today.
He clarified that ICT support not only Exploration & Production but also but also support other functions like production monitoring, projects management, transportation, logistic support, marketing in addition to the business communications like voice, email, internet and intranet.
Mr Eid stressed that there is a direct link between technology and oil and gas industry as both seek efficient and cost-effective operation. This interlinked relationship increases the role communication and information technology departments have to shoulder, he urged.
Elaborating on the summit, he said the event aims to shed light on integrated relationship between ICT and Oil industry, discuss challenges facing this industry in the Arab region and . To establish a strategic platform for the IT executives in the Oil, Gas and Industrial sector concerned about emerging trends, technology and opportunities brought by ICT.
OT Summit- Middle East is the only exclusive event dedicated to the Executives of the major Oil & Gas companies in Middle East, and the leading ICT Vendors & Providers to discuss how technology can turn strategic vision into reality.
He mentioned that most of the industry giants already confirmed their participation "ARAMCO, SABIK, ADNOC, Kuwait Oil Company, Qatar Petroleum, Dana Gas are amongst the leading participating companies from GCC and Arab countries" he said.
It is worth noting that the OT summit will be co-located with the Government Technology Summit (GT Summit), which brings together the elite of ICT in Arab Governments to discuss how Technology can help Arab Governments to improve services offered to Citizens, Business and Government. Source

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Arab countries meet in Dubai to discuss digital divide

Dubai will host on November 19th the second round of the Government Technology (GT) Summit and Exhibition.
Commenting on the event, Khaled Eid, Managing Director of the World Development Forum, the Organizing Corporation for the Summit, said the agenda of the meeting will focus on challenging issues in technology facing the governments in the Arab world amid rapid international developments in the field of technology.He pointed out that devising a strategy on developing government services using technology must take into consideration recent scientific statistics and research. Quoting a report released lately by Internet World Stats, he said internet users in the Middle East increased at the rate of 479.3 per cent over the past six years whereas by the end of 2006 there were 19 million internet users representing 1.8 per cent of the total users worldwide, which preceded a billion during the same period.
Findings of the report showed that the Middle East ranked sixth among countries of the world that use internet technology, he said. Mr Eid lamented the fact that use of communication and information technology in the Arab region still lags behind, whereby landlines, cell phones and the internet are in use at the rate of 10,24 and 8 percent respectively.
He stressed that these statistics must be carefully considered while discussing issues pertaining to the use of technology in Government and Public services in the Arab world. According to the DAI or (Digital Access Index), decline in the use of information technology in the Arab countries, especially in the Gulf region could be attributed to lack of technology awareness rather than deficiency of technological infrastructure.
Supervised by the ITU, DAI is based on four fundamental vectors that impact a country's ability to access ICTs: infrastructure, affordability, knowledge and quality and actual usage of ICT. Based on these indicators countries of the world are ranked to provide a transparent and globally measurable way of tracking progress towards improving access to ICT.
"The UAE bagged the 9th position among countries with the highest access to communication and information technology, followed by Qatar which ranked 23rd and Kuwait in the 35th position", said Mr Eid. Among countries of decline access Syria came third, Yemen was placed in the 16th position followed by Mauritania 34th and SUDAN 38th while Iraq and Somalia were not included in the list, he added.
However, he said, UAE registered the highest number of internet users in 2006 where access percentage was 36.1 per cent of the total population, clinching thus the first position in the Middle East. The number of internet users in the UAE is estimated at 1.400million persons, constituting 7.3 per cent of internet users in the Middle East.
"Rapid evolution witnessed worldwide requires scientific as well as practical and precise follow up for global changes", commended Mr Eid.
He stressed on the vitality of developing a joint Arab action to implement recommendations issued at the previous round of the GT Summit.
He mentioned that chalking out a regional strategy on utilising technology in further developing government services, as well as implementing comprehensive programmes on boosting communication and information technology in the Arab society, were recommended during the summit.
"Conferees at the last summit unanimously emphasised that adopting and implementing communication and IT projects in the Arab world, is a joint responsibility of Elaborating on the annual event, Mr Eid stated that the GT Summit seeks to set a platform for exchange of knowledge and expertise in a bid to bridge the digital divide, improve management performance in the government sector and secure a level of competence in the private sector.
The summit paves the way for renowned communication and IT companies, and concerned prominent government officials in the Arab world to meet and shed light on obstacles impeding efficient use of technology.
11 Arab countries, including All GCC states, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Syria and Yemen will take part in the summit, he confirmed.
The GT Summit is an invitation-only event aimed at IT decision-makers in government officials in communications, commerce, education, finance, health, infrastructure and public works. In addition to public services such as chambers of commerce, municipalities, the judiciary, civil defense, utilities and tourism.
The 1st round of the GT Summit was held in association with 'ICTIDAR' initiative of (UNDP) and the Arab League, under the patronage of Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoun, President of Dubai Free Zone Authority for Communication and Media. The Summit tabled several important topics like E-government, IT governance, risk and compliance management, business process management and resources capacity.
In addition to actual IT dynamics such as smart IT infrastructures, enterprise architecture, integrated service delivery channels, Digital Cities and information security, access, collaboration and integration. Source

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Fifth GCC Stock Market summit in December

A group of investors, CEOs of publicly listed companies, regulators, top regional and global exchanges executives, financial advisors, bankers, IPO and investment consultants, advocates, fund managers and other financial related professionals and executives will gather in Dubai in December for the 5th GCC Stock Markets summit to exchange ideas and address major business issues that affect the stock market industry from regulatory issues to the future opportunities in the region.
Top industry leaders from across the globe will provide conferees with the latest in stock market trends, strategic case studies and best practices through interactive panel discussions, debate and thought provoking presentations and sessions.
Organisers Datamatix says various GCC stock markets have attracted large investments as many GCC countries decided to open their capital markets to GCC citizens and in some cases to foreign investors. At the same time, the regional stock markets are showing massive fluctuations and it affected the investor?s confidence and trust in the regional stocks. In this regard, this conference addresses major issues, risks and opportunities for investors in the GCC stock markets.
The December 8-9 financial gathering explains the need for more integrated markets and faster information linkages between regulatory authorities for developing a healthy business atmosphere and the success of GCC stock markets.
The conference aims to raise discussions on GCC stock markets, its future, risks and opportunities in the emerging stock market boom etc. It will discuss significant topics that highlight future challenges facing stock and capital markets in the GCC countries, and the requirements of collective and joint work required from all major stake holders of the GCC stock markets, including the establishment of regulatory authorities, corporate governance, transparency of operations etc.
Participants will have an excellent opportunity to learn up-to-date strategies for investing and making money on GCC stock exchanges, listen to speakers who have years of practical experience and in-depth knowledge and meet and interact with brokers, industry experts and professionals, other investors and traders. Source

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Contrasting bourses & future market trends key to successful IPO

Undertaking comparative reports, selecting the bourse most suited to achieve company goals and ambitions and evaluating future market trends, are essential for a successful public offering according to experts speaking at the 2nd Middle East IPO Summit. The conference, which is due to take place on 24-29 March at the Madinat Jumeirah, Mina A'Salam Hotel in Dubai, will debate the whole spectrum of issues concerning IPOs with a special panel discussion on how various bourses operate and the comparative merits of listing on different exchanges.
Public and private companies, investors and brokers will have the opportunity to learn more about how other regional and international bourses operate and whether they complement a company's goals and ambitions.
Shares across the GCC bourses have been more or less stagnant since the start of year showing little sign of returning the US$ 436 billion market capitalisation lost during the meltdown in 2006. The markets are still vulnerable to volatile swings due to the limited number stocks available, which between the GCC bourses, still only accommodate 586 listed companies, ironic given the phenomenal amount of funds seeking investment opportunities.Private companies have been stalling on planned IPOs due to dented investor confidence. The paradox is that strong underlying economic indicators right across the Middle East should support a ‘bull run', but crucially with no ‘real' historical records, the performance of regional bourses, is largely lacklustre. Successful IPOs can help to stabilise the markets and achieve sustainable growth, built on fundamentals as opposed to sentiment. Debate and discussion amongst investment experts, regulators and market leaders will centre on regulatory and industry standards, corporate governance and transparency, reporting standards and internal audit, management changes and restructure. It will also address the costs associated with IPOs and the long-term obligations of public companies as well as the critical factors underpinning oversubscriptions, over-pricing and macro-economic issues affecting IPOs.Two dedicated workshops have also been organised and will examine IPO feasibility studies which assess how to prepare for listing and structuring a successful IPO. New this year is a four-day, in-depth seminar entitled "Certified IPO Specialist", which runs for two days pre and two days post of the main conference.An impressive line-up of international and regional financial experts are expected to speak at the event including amongst others, Henry Azzam, Chairman, Dubai International Financial Exchange, Habib Mulla, Chairman, Dubai Financial Services Authority, Vivek Rao, Head of Finance, Tamweel, Zahed Chowdury, Head of Middle East Research, Deutsche Bank, Mark Hanson, Head of Corporate Finance, Saudi Hollandi Bank, Omar M. El Quqa, Executive VP - Corporate Finance & Treasury, Global Investment House and Mahmoud Salem, VP - Business Development and Depository Receipts MENA, Bank of New York.Global Investment House is the diamond sponsor of the 2nd Middle East IPO Summit.

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