Geo-Politics and VAT among key topics discussed

The MENA region’s finance elite converged on Abu Dhabi today to discuss the region’s role in the global economy and international factors shaping the region’s investment landscape. With the UK’s vote to leave the European Union just starting to set in and a new republican administration in the White House, two of the world’s largest economies have shocked the world with upset votes, both of which could see a radical effect on regional economic policy.

The Middle East Investment Conference, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chief of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court, is taking place today at the ADGM Auditorium on Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, and is organised by Informa in partnership with the CFA Society Emirates.

Commenting on the conference, Amer Abdul Aziz Khansaheb, President of CFA Society Emirates, said, "CFA members from across the GCC indicated in our recently published Middle East Societies Market Sentiment Survey, that geo-political developments, global energy policies and regional fiscal developments will dominate investor concerns. This annual Middle East Investment Conference creates a platform for senior investment professionals to gather together and address the many issues and opportunities current market conditions present. As CFA Society Emirates, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics in investment practices for the development of the UAE’s investment industry. Leading global and regional economic and financial minds, will be presenting their views on a broad range of issues affecting the Middle East."

Todd Buccholz, former director of economic policy at the White House during the first Bush Administration, headlined the event and delivered an opening address. Buccholz drew on his first-hand experiences during his time in the White House and delivered an opening address that outlined his views on how the recent events in the West could impact regional policy.

Dr. Philippa Malmgren, an American policy analyst who has previously served as Special Assistant to the President of the United States for Economic Policy on the National Economic Council, was also part of the line-up at the Middle East Investment Conference and delivered the event’s closing keynote. She is also a former member of the U.S. President’s Working Group on Financial Markets.

"We are delighted that both Mr. Buccholz and Dr. Malmgren are part of the event today to deliver the event’s opening and closing keynote addresses. To have two world-renowned experts with a clear view on how international policies have, and will continue to impact regional economics at time of so much change and uncertainty is a massive draw for this year’s event," said Ryan O’Donnell, Divisional Director of Conferences at Informa Middle East, the event’s organiser.

The event brought together over 300 international thought leaders and regional and international investment professionals who heard from over 20 finance and policy experts including Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Global Market, Dr. Hatem Sammam, Chief Economist at the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority, and Tim Fox, Executive Vice President, Group Chief Economist and Head of Research at Emirates NBD. Sponsors included Abu Dhabi Global Market, AIM Properties, FactSet, Kaplan Schweser, Morningstar, Rasmala and Fitch Learning.