Measures being taken to attract more institutional investors to be discussed at Dubai Forward

Underlining the need to attract more foreign private and institutional investors to Dubai and the steps to achieve this are among the key highlights at Dubai Forward next week from 15 to 17 February 2016. Key industry figures who will be on the panel will discuss the on-going efforts that are being made by the regulators and the asset management industry to make Dubai a truly coveted destination for institutional investors.

Many crucial steps are being taken to provide a world class qualitative framework that will pave the way for the transformation of stock markets to capital markets by re-balancing the share of retail and institutional investors, providing modern investment vehicles, making investor relations mandatory and ensuring availability, reliability and comparability of financial data to investors.

The necessary measures are being actively worked on through the combined efforts of the regulators and industry leaders to ensure that the future of the financial markets in the emirate are in line with its economic goals.

Commenting on this, Hassan Al Serkal, Chief Operating Officer, Head of Operations Division, Dubai Financial Market (DFM) said; “We are delighted to participate in this event organized by Academy & Finance as an opportunity to showcase the DFM’s momentous journey, which further strengthened the leading position of Dubai as an international financial centre. The DFM has rapidly become a focal point for attracting foreign investments amongst regional markets as a result of the constant enhancement of its infrastructure and regulations in line with best practices, the launch of innovative services and products as well as streamlining the participation of foreign investors in the success story of Dubai. These efforts have played an integral part in the classification of the UAE as international emerging market by leading institutions such as (MSCI) and (S&P Dow Jones). Additionally, DFM is committed to strengthen the links between listed companies and international institutions by organizing roadshows in London and New York since 2007. The total number of foreign institutions on DFM has jumped from 2056 institutions in 2010 to 5098 institutions in 2015 and their owning value has increased from AED 8.9 billion in 2010 (6.9% of the market cap) to AED 37.2 billion (12.9% of the market cap) in 2015.”

“The Dubai Forward gathering is an exceptional discussion forum around Dubai's trip to world class excellence, and its contribution to the UAE's federal economy. Additionally, the high level local, regional and international delegates and speakers participating to the event, constitute a unique opportunity to build new networks,” said Dr. Ryan Lemand, Head of Managed Solutions and Business Development in the ADS Securities Asset Management Team.

Sébastien Hénin, Head of the Asset Management division and a member of the management committee at The National Investor (TNI), said “Dubai Forward combines high-level onstage debates with opportunity for the audience to contribute their own insights. Delegates and speakers come away with concrete outcomes and mutually-agreed learning points.”

For institutions and private investors who are seeking comprehensive information in order to decide where to establish a presence in Dubai, there will be several workshops on practical topics such as setting up a financial activity in Dubai, setting up a UAE entity (onshore, free zone and offshore), opening bank accounts as well as the future of tax and estate planning in the emirate. The impact of international standards and how Dubai will adapt to these changes such as Automatic Exchange of Information and OECD BEPs will be highlighted in the workshop sessions.