01 March 2015
The two-month Investor Relations Graduate Program opens the door for seven Emiratis to explore the rapidly growing practice in the UAE corporate environment.

Dubai - Dubai Financial Market (DFM) honored the participants of its second "Investor Relations Graduate Program" aimed at paving the way for UAE nationals to work in this domain. The Program educates top tier graduates on investor relations best practices in line with the evolving needs of stakeholders in general and public joint stock companies in particular.

This intensive program prepares graduates to explore the IR profession, a relatively new concept in the region; however, it is rapidly growing considering the thriving corporate environment in the UAE and the necessity to address expectations of local and international investors.

His Excellency Essa Kazim, Chairman of DFM has handed the program certificates to graduates in the presence of senior representatives from program's partners of listed companies and advisors. Graduates of the program are; Maryam Karamian, Jawaher Bin Haider, Amel Sultan, Hessa Jamea, Sara Al Awadhi, Nadyah Hassan Mansoor and Afra Al Suwaidi.

The two-month program offered seven graduates from four universities in the UAE, work placement within the IR teams of leading listed companies including; EmiratesNBD, Dubai Islamic Bank, DP World and DFM Company in addition to HSBC. Alongside the work placement, participants have attended six training workshops on various IR-related topics by leading advisors including; Thomson Reuters, Bell Pottinger, BNY Mellon, Closir, Merchancantos and the Middle East IR Society.

His Excellency Essa Kazim, Chairman of DFM said, "Since its inception, DFM has been behind countless initiatives that have massively contributed in developing the financial market in the UAE and the region. In this context, we have joined forces with our leading DFM- listed companies and international advisors to promote IR best practices through various tools including the comprehensive guides, educational workshops as well as this program, which is a first of its kind, aiming at educating young UAE nationals and prepare them to start their journey within the IR field. In fact, IR professionals are the pivotal link between their organization and the investors through managing investor requirements and providing them with company updates that enable them to take well-informed decisions. We constantly encourage our listed companies to further embrace IR practices in line with the leading position of the UAE as a capital markets hub and its status as an emerging market which necessitates addressing a highly diversified and demanding investor base."

The program focused on four key areas including; the understanding of Investor Relations, sound knowledge of financial markets, regulatory environment and IR relations best practices.

Fahima Al Bastaki, Senior Vice President, Head of DFM's Business Development Division said, "Talented IR professionals from the region are increasingly sought after as listed companies continue to implement international best practices of IR and improve their overall corporate transparency considering the growing expectations of their local investor base as well as the increasing presence of international investors. This drive has gained further momentum with the Securities and Commodities Authority's decision that made it mandatory for publicly listed companies to establish IR departments. The DFM IR program provides young Emirati talents with a thorough understanding of the IR profession and ultimately prepares them to join the IR function of a listed company. The second round of this program follows the outstanding success of the inaugural program, we would like to thank our partners of listed companies, and advisory firms, as their sincere efforts have played a pivotal role in the success of the program. Moreover, we would also like to thank the participants for their commitment and enthusiasm to explore this field."

-Ends-

About Dubai Financial Market
Dubai Financial Market (DFM) was established as a public institution with its own independent corporate body. DFM operates as a secondary market for the trading of securities issued by public shareholding companies, bonds issued by the Federal Government or any of the local Governments and public institutions in the country, units of investment funds and any other financial instruments, local or foreign, which are accepted by the market. The DFM commenced operations on March 26, 2000. Following its initial public offering in November 2006, when DFM offered 1.6 billion shares, representing 20 per cent of its paid-up capital of AED 8 billion, DFM became a public joint stock company. Following the IPO, the Government of Dubai retained the remaining 80 per cent of DFM Company through Borse Dubai Limited. www.dfm.ae

For further information, please contact:
Atef Fathy
Vice President - Head of Media & Public Relations
Dubai Financial Market
Tel: 04-3055334
Email: afathy@dfm.ae

© Press Release 2015