Arab IPO Summit to be held this month in Dubai

Dubai-based experts claimed that 2015 will see increased stock market activity in terms of public issuances following the 27 initial public offerings (IPOs) that raised $11.5 billion in 2014, the best performance recorded since the financial crisis.

Government efforts in easing regulations and policies related to listings coupled with increased cross-sector spending to encourage economic diversification, the corollary of which was a rise in investor confidence, have been impacted due to recent oil price volatility.

The Arab IPO Summit will bring together financial experts, senior executives and key decision makers from regional capital markets, stock exchanges, investment banks and top companies to discuss the latest trends in the region and regulations on listings for issuers. Confirmed speakers at the Summit include Mounther Barakat, senior adviser, SCA-UAE; Fahima Al Bastaki, senior vice president, DFM-UAE and Adil Taqi, chief financial officer, Damac Group.

The event, to be held Sept. 14-15 at Taj Dubai Hotel in Dubai, is organized by UMS International.

Strategic Partners for the summit include Securities & Commodities Authority, Dubai Financial Market, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, Muscat Securities Market, Union of Arab Securities Authorities, Qatar Stock Exchange, the Egyptian Exchange and Bahrain Bourse.