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Middle East First as Dubai Secures Premier Global Finance Forum

World's Leading Financial Strategists to Share Industry Insights at Sibos
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Supreme Fiscal Committee, President of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation and CEO and Chairman of The Emirates Group announced today (Tuesday) that Dubai will host the world's most influential financial services event. For more than 30 years SWIFT has organised Sibos - which is recognised as the industry's premier gathering of financial strategists and service providers, with a strong influence on banking trends and shaping the future of the finance industry.

Sibos Dubai will be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre in September, 2013 - the first time the event has been hosted in the Middle East. Joining Sheikh Ahmed at a press conference held at Dubai International Financial Centre ( DIFC ) today H.E. Ahmad Al Tayer, Governor of DIFC , Hamad Buamin, Director General of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( DCCI ) Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre ( DWTC ) and Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, CEO of DIFC Authority, described the decision to name Dubai as the venue for the 2013 edition as a coup for the Emirate and an endorsement of its global financial presence.

Làzaro Campos, CEO of SWIFT, the financial co-operative responsible for organising Sibos, said at the press conference: "We chose Dubai as the location for Sibos 2013 in response to its burgeoning financial sector and ever increasing knowledge based economy. SWIFT opened its Dubai office five years ago to cater to the growing finance and banking industry and we see great commercial potential in this market."

H.E. Ahmad Al Tayer, Governor of DIFC , added: "For Sibos 2013 to select the Middle East as its destination for the first time is a credit to the region's ongoing commitment to the financial services sector. For Dubai, it is a testament to its importance within the region and on the global stage as a hub for business. Transparency, best practice, innovation and highly developed investment strategies have placed Dubai as one of the premier banking markets and the arrival of Sibos will lend even further weight to this progress."

Sibos organiser SWIFT is a member-owned cooperative that provides the communications platform, products and services to connect more than 9,500 banking organisations, securities institutions and corporate customers in 209 countries, exchanging millions of standardized financial messages every day.

Every year Sibos brings together influential leaders from financial institutions, market infrastructures, multinational corporations and technology partners to do business and shape the future of the financial industry.

H.E. Hamad Buamim, Director General, Dubai Chamber , said: "We wholeheartedly welcome and support the Sibos Dubai conference, which is testament to our city's pioneering status as the Middle East's leading financial hub. As a pillar of the economy, Dubai's financial sector is robust and has shown strength during the past period, due in part to its competitiveness, being made up of local, Islamic and international banking institutions. Organising this prestigious conference comes at the right time as the sector continues to see growth and will help seal Dubai's rank among other global financial capitals."

Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, DWTC , added, "Sibos is an important gathering of the financial world's leaders and it is a great privilege for Dubai to host such distinguished guests. The unceasing efforts of Dubai's financial institutions have made the city a highly attractive proposition for international investors and acted as a commercial ambassador for the region as a whole. We are looking forward to welcoming Sibos exhibitors, visitors and delegates, and showcasing the best facilities, professionalism and hospitality the city has to offer."

-Ends-

About SWIFT:
SWIFT, the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, is a member-owned cooperative that provides the communications platform, products and services to connect more than 9,500 banking organisations, securities institutions and corporate customers in 209 countries. SWIFT enables its users to exchange automated, standardised financial information securely and reliably, thereby lowering costs, reducing operational risk and eliminating operational inefficiencies. SWIFT also brings the financial community together to work collaboratively to shape market practice, define standards and debate issues of mutual interest.

About Sibos:
Every year Sibos brings together influential leaders from financial institutions, market infrastructures, multinational corporations and technology partners to do business and shape the future of the financial industry. Facilitated and organised by SWIFT for the SWIFT community, Sibos is much more than a conference and exhibition. It is a unique forum to collaborate and take collective action in payments, securities, cash management and trade. With the power to draw over 8,000 participants from across the globe, Sibos is unparalleled in its reputation to reach the entire financial services industry.

About DWTC
With a vision to make Dubai the world's leading destination for all major exhibitions, conferences and events, DWTC has evolved from being the forerunner of the fast growing exhibitions industry, into a multi-dimensional business catalyst, focusing on Venues, Events and Real Estate Management.

Complementary to the primary service offerings are a range of value added services from media/advertising, engineering and technical consultation and wedding planning, security services and an award winning hospitality portfolio.

For more information about DWTC visit us at www.dwtc.com

For more information, please contact:
Hill & Knowlton
Lona Ayoub
Tel: +971 4 33 44 930
Email: lona.ayoub@hillandknowlton.com

© Press Release 2011