Economic conference to address how GCC states can adapt to ‘new oil order’

DUBAI: The 2nd GCC Financial Markets & Treasury Conference in Dubai will address how the ‘new oil order’ across the world will directly impact GCC countries, leading to an anticipated rise of fiscal deficits in the region.

Held with the support of Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, deputy ruler of Dubai and minister of finance of the UAE, the conference will bring global economic experts together to discuss how lower oil prices and high government spending may see the development of debt capital markets in the region.
Speakers at the Jan. 21-22 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, Navitas Resources; Fahad Al-Turki, chief economist and head of research, Jadwa Investment; and Mohammed Alsahlawi, professor of economics, King Fahad University of Petroleum.
The two-day conference, moderated by radio presenter Richard Dean, is organized by the UAE Financial Markets Association, in association with strategic partner Dubai International Financial Center.
Mohammed Al-Hashemi, chairman of the UAE Financial Markets Association, said: “The new oil order is reshaping the way markets around the world balance supply and demand with the oil and gas industry. This conference will allow influential experts specialized in the GCC economic markets to share their point of view on how lower oil prices will impact the region.”
He said: “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 Tricolor 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 and head of global markets, National Bank of Abu Dhabi.
Topics to be addressed include the key global macroeconomic risks forecasted for the next 12 months, the importance of regulation and the development of risk management in the GCC, and how debt capital markets in the region could provide an alternative source of financing for budgets.
Ahoud Al-Ali, Treasurer, UAE Financial Markets Association, added: “The aim of the UAE FMA 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.