Business & Money | Monday 22 February, 2016 12:08 pm |

Dubai Forward organised by the Swiss group, Academy & Finance, welcomed private bankers, investment bankers, independent asset managers, family offices and corporate service providers from Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, UK, Cyprus, Greece and GCC countries. 

 

The audience engaged in high level discussions with very senior representatives from various streams including free zone authorities, UAE regulators, asset management firms, local banks as well as international and local law firms who discussed Dubai’s position as a financial and private banking centre as well as the steps being taken to move the emirate further towards world class excellence and the challenges that lie ahead.

 

Attendees took back key insights on the relevance of considering Dubai for their investments from some of the most influential and experienced practitioners as well as key speakers from the public sector who provided in-depth insights into the changing international and regional environment that are impacting Dubai.

 

The Main Sponsor, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and all other sponsors and endorsers contributed immensely to the success of the 3rd edition.

 

Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority said, “It was a pleasure to participate in Dubai Forward for a third year and engage with financial industry experts and decision makers who are playing a vital role in the growth, development and continuous diversification of the emirate. It is clear from the discussions that took place during the event that Dubai has a bright future ahead. From a DIFC perspective, we have developed a ten year strategy that contributes to this future by providing a robust and supportive environment for financial institutions to advance their business opportunities and facilitate investment flows across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.”

 

“The young generation should be the prominent driving factor for the creation of a new vision for Dubai. Looking at the future of Dubai and at the Dubai of the future, we see many challenges ahead that could be easily transformed into opportunities if they are properly managed, as in the case of the opening up of Iran and of the current oil prices. The decline in oil prices could enhance rationalization of expenses, increase efficiency and foster innovation. Forums like Dubai Forward offer an excellent opportunity for key industry players and the authorities to discuss such challenges, their impact and how to plan for them,” said Fouad Makhzoumi, Executive Chairman of Future Pipe Industries.

 

“I take this opportunity to thank and congratulate Academy & Finance for successfully organizing a most rewarding and memorable Dubai Forward 2016 where they were able to bring together an illustrious group of renowned speakers and panel members. The quality of discussions and topics were extremely well chosen, especially on the Bankruptcy law and The Dubai Forward Grand Talk. The workshop session on Setting up a financial activity in Dubai was outstanding. It also gave me an opportunity to meet and learn from the champions of the legal community, financial Gurus and regulators. It was definitely a great way to enhance the opportunities that Dubai has to offer,” expressed Manoj Prasad, Executive Vice Chairman & CEO of Que Capital Ltd- DIFC, who attended Dubai Forward 2016.