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Jafza-based companies explore ways to access capital markets at a seminar led by NASDAQ Dubai

Panel of experts explain how companies can capitalise on IPOs, private equity deals, long-term debt and bank loans in current economic conditions

Dubai, October 9, 2011: Senior executives of prominent companies based in Jebel Ali Free Zone ( Jafza ) took part in the first of a series of ground-breaking seminars titled "Access Capital for Growth", hosted by Jafza and NASDAQ Dubai that examined various ways for them to access the capital markets.

Jeff Singer, Chief Executive Officer of NASDAQ Dubai, and a panel of other capital markets experts briefed the executives on a wide range of equity and debt capital-raising solutions, ranging from an initial public offering (IPO) to private equity and bank loans.

The executives represented companies in sectors including trading, metals, materials, food, electronics, energy and power. Issues covered included the cost of capital and company valuation, winning the confidence of lenders and investors through transparency and sound management, and how owners of a company can maintain control over its future direction.

The seminar was opened by Ibrahim Mohamed Al Janahi, Deputy CEO, Jafza and Chief Commercial Officer, as one of a series of initiatives under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Jafza and NASDAQ Dubai in April 2011. The MoU aims at identifying Jafza companies that wish to raise capital to expand and develop, including through a listing on the region's international exchange, and provide them necessary information and support.

The panel of experts comprised Azhar Zafar, CEO of Ernst & Young Corporate Finance, Andrew Tarbuck, a partner at international law firm Latham & Watkins LLP, Karim Schoeib, Managing Director and Head of Investment Banking at SHUAA Capital psc, and Saqib Rashid, Principal of private equity firm Riyada Enterprise Development, a member of the Abraaj Group. Hussein Hachem, Chief Executive, Middle East & Africa, Aramex , addressed the seminar and shared Aramex 's experience as a listed company, stressing the importance of transparency and reputation. Aramex was the first company from the region to be listed on the NASDAQ in the period 1997 to 2002, and today is a publicly traded company on the Dubai Financial Market.

Ibrahim Mohamed Al Janahi said: "By bringing together some of the leading financial experts in Dubai with some of the most prominent companies in Jafza , the seminar produced a host of valuable and creative ideas on how different companies can raise money in different ways that suit their particular needs and ambitions. We will continue to support the growth plans of Jafza companies through further outreach sessions with NASDAQ Dubai, in line with the development objectives of Jafza , Dubai and the UAE."

Jeff Singer, Chief Executive Officer of NASDAQ Dubai, said: "The seminar provided a rewarding forum for NASDAQ Dubai and the panelists to hear the opinions and needs of prominent Jafza companies first-hand, as they seek more capital in an economic environment that still presents many challenges. As the region's international exchange, NASDAQ Dubai is committed to offering a first-class listing forum. This includes excellent access by regional and international investors through DFM's trading platform, to which more than 500,000 individual investors are connected, and the possibility of a book-building IPO to give an accurate valuation. We look forward to organizing many other successful initiatives with Jafza and to further developing our relationships with Jafza companies."

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About EZW
EZW is the global provider of sustainable industrial and logistics infrastructure solutions. The company aims to create a robust network of economic zones, technology, logistics and industrial parks as well as build-to-suit developments across the world with an objective to support the dynamic expansion of its rapidly growing international customer base. EZW's current portfolio includes Jafza , Gazeley, TechnoPark and Dubai Auto Zone.

Jafza is Economic Zones World's flagship operation and home to 6500+ multinational companies, including over 150 of the Fortune Global 500 enterprises. It is the region's most efficient logistics hub and the only one in the world located between Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum International Airport, enabling the best in multi modal connectivity.

Also in the portfolio is Gazeley, one of Europe's leading developers and providers of sustainable logistics and industrial spaces. Gazeley has strong presence in the UK, mainland Europe, China and India.

TechnoPark is the company's research and development initiative in core economic sectors, including Energy, Water and Environment. It focuses on nurturing business ideas/new technologies in various fields, which could be quickly translated into real-world industrial operations.

Dubai Auto Zone (DAZ) is a comprehensive market place for the Auto Industry catering to buyers, sellers, service providers, principals and traders.

For more information, visit www.ezw.com

About NASDAQ Dubai
NASDAQ Dubai is the international financial exchange serving the region between Western Europe and East Asia. It welcomes regional as well as global issuers that seek regional and international investment. The exchange currently lists shares, derivatives, exchange-traded commodities, structured products, Sukuk (Islamic bonds) and conventional bonds.

The majority shareholder of NASDAQ Dubai is Dubai Financial Market with a two-thirds stake. Borse Dubai owns one third of the shares. The regulator of NASDAQ Dubai is the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). NASDAQ Dubai is located in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

For more information, visit www.nasdaqdubai.com.

For any enquiries, please contact:
Adeti Changulani
Account Manager, Media
Hassad Communications
(t): 00971 4 881 8808
(m): 00 971 50 429 5576
(e): adeti.changulani@hasaad.ae

Mark Fisher
Vice President, Public Relations
NASDAQ Dubai
(t): 00 971 4 305 5458
(m): 00 971 50 624 5805
(e): Mark.fisher@nasdaqdubai.com

© Press Release 2011