GLOBAL ECONOMIC EXPERTS ASSEMBLE IN DUBAI TO DEBATE PROSPECTS AFTER LATEST SLIDE IN OIL PRICE

GCC Financial Markets & Treasury Conference to discuss whether region could see development of debt capital markets

 

Mohammed Al Hashemi
Mohammed Al Hashemi, Chairman, UAE Financial Markets Association

Dubai, UAE, 20 January 2016: With the latest slide in oil prices being blamed on the lifting of sanctions in Iran, global economic experts assembling in Dubai tomorrow (Thursday 21 January) will analyse prospects for the remainder of 2016 as markets look hopefully for signs of an economic revival.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance of the UAE, the 2nd GCC Financial Markets & Treasury Conference will focus on how lower oil prices and high government spending may see the development of debt capital markets in the region.

The two-day event, which runs at the H Hotel Dubai on 21 and 22 January, is also expected to feature debate on innovative strategies for the GCC countries in terms of oil and gas extractions technologies, and analyse the financial risk management tools required to optimise revenues from natural resources.

The conference takes place at the end of a week in which the oil price fell below $28 a barrel, amid fears that the lifting of Western sanctions on Iran could worsen the existing oversupply problem, with analysts saying that half a million barrels more oil per day could be produced.

Speakers at the event include Marshall Bailey, President of ACI International; Thunayan Al Ghanim, Honorary President, ICA and KFMA Kuwait; Professor Tom James, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Novita’s Resources; Fahad Al Turkic, Chief Economist and Head of Research, Jada Investment; and Mohammed Alsahlawi, Professor of Economics, King Fahad University of Petroleum.

Moderated by Richard Dean, co-presenter of Dubai Eye’s The Business Breakfast radio programme, the conference is organised by the UAE Financial Markets Association in association with strategic partner Dubai International Financial Centre, which has been instrumental in connecting financial institutes together.

Mohammed Al Hashemi, Chairman of the UAE Financial Markets Association, said: “Our principal aim is to create a platform for influential experts specialised in the GCC economic markets to share their point of view on how lower oil prices will impact the region.

Ahoud Al Ali
Ahoud Al Ali, Treasurer, UAE Financial Markets Association

“The new oil order is reshaping the way markets around the world balance supply and demand with the oil and gas industry.  Delegates attending the conference will gain unrivalled access to our speakers and have the opportunity to engage in the panel sessions, receiving direct insight on the issues affecting the current financial climate in the region and around the world.”

Other speakers include: Khatija Haque, Head of MENA Research, EmiratesNBD; Marios Maratheftis, Chief Economist, Standard Chartered Bank; Emad Almonayea, CEO, Kuwait Finance House Investment; Suresh Kumar, Founder of Tricolour Values Group; Anita Yadav, Head of Fixed Income Research, EmiratesNBD; Gaurang Desai, CEO of the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange; Mathew Hurns, Executive Director, Head of Finance, Emerging Sectors, Mubadala Development Company; Christian Esters, Senior Director, Sovereigns Ratings; and Mahmood Al Aradi, Senior Managing Director & Head of Global Markets, National Bank of Abu Dhabi.

Ahoud Al Ali, Treasurer, UAE Financial Markets Association, said: “Our objective as an organisation goal is to play a major role in connecting financial markets together in order to share knowledge in an open, transparent way.  The GCC Financial Markets and Treasury Conference offers a platform for economic professionals to network and forge new business associations, helping to maintain professionalism in the industry.”

The 2nd Financial Markets & Treasury Conference is supported by ADS Securities, Tullett Liberty and BCG Partners.  More information is available at www.gccfmt.com.

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