UAE Minister of Economy sets stage for Standard & Poor’s Annual Leaders Forum in Abu Dhabi

The U.A.E. Ministry of Economy today reaffirmed its patronage of Standard & Poor's Annual Leaders Forum, which will be held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Abu Dhabi on November 15^th, 2011. This annual, invitation-only event will explore key issues relevant to financial markets in the Gulf and set the agenda for investors in 2012. The forum is organized by Standard & Poor’s and DNMconnect, a U.A.E.-based company. 

The event will feature leading asset managers, economists, investors and Standard & Poor’s analysts and executives providing their views on the outlook for the global and regional economies and the impact of current developments on capital markets under the theme: "The Middle East Beyond The Crossroads: Investing Under New Market Conditions, Embracing Change."

“We are grateful for the U.A.E. Ministry of Economy’s support provided by His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori for this annual regional event,” said Deven Sharma, President of Standard & Poor’s. “The S&P Leaders' Forum has been designed to provoke discussion and debate about key issues of relevance to the Middle East, where a diverse and evolving set of issues, policies, economic and market conditions will affect investors as the region becomes increasingly integrated with global capital markets.”

"The event is of significant importance to the regional business constituency,” said His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister. “We have witnessed the direct impact of the global economy and financial markets on the region in recent times. The event provides an opportunity for regional business leaders to engage with global financial leaders and serves as an opportunity to chart the course for the future challenges."  

In acknowledgement of the forum, the Minister added: "The Standard & Poor’s Leaders Forum has proven to be successful in raising awareness and understanding of investment risks and opportunities in the G.C.C. and contributes to improving the financial community”. 

"By applying globally recognized benchmarks and services, the U.A.E. continues to support the development of transparent and efficient financial markets. Access to both domestic and international capital markets will be critical for funding the continuing phase of growth for Gulf corporations and for the region's infrastructure," the Minister added. 

Throughout the day, panel discussions will explore a range of issues and challenges that will influence the development of financial markets in the Middle East. These include the impact of U.S. and European credit conditions, the ongoing threat posed by sovereign risk, the performance of bonds and equities, the outlook for Gulf banks and the strategies and asset classes likely to reward investors in light of new risks and opportunities. 

Senior members of the financial, business or government community wishing to register to attend the Forum should contact Raeda Kassab, Standard & Poor’s Dubai on +971 4 3727171 or Raeda_Kassab@standardandpoors.com to request a copy of the agenda. Members of the media wishing to attend the event or interview speakers should contact the media contact below.