The national anthem inaugurates the trading session

Dubai, November 30th 2011: The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) hosted a special ceremony on Wednesday, 30th November 2011 to celebrate the 40th national day of the United Arab Emirates as employees, brokers and investors gathered at the DFM trading floor to honor the occasion.

The exchange building and trading floor have been decorated with the UAE flags and this year's slogan "SPIRIT OF THE UNION". Additionally, the UAE national anthem was played prior to the commencement of the trading session and all DFM staff led by Essa Kazim, Managing Director and CEO of DFM put on sashes representing the UAE flag and signed the memorial featured in the entrance of the trading floor.

The DFM trading floor also hosted a painting exhibition for the Emirati painter Faisal Abdul Qader AlBastaki which reflects the rich history and heritage of the UAE. The celebrations included a competition amongst DFM staff about the UAE history as well. The event has been covered live by TV stations reporting from the trading floor. Towards the end of the ceremony, traditional foods were served to all attendees.

Commenting on this, Essa Kazim said: "As we honor the 40th national day of the UAE, we would like to congratulate their highnesses, the rulers of the emirates and the people of the UAE. This occasion is treasured in our hearts as it marks the day when the founding fathers of our country joined hands and united efforts and resources for the greater good and welfare of the UAE people. As we celebrate this gracious occasion we remember with pride and affection the valuable efforts of the founding fathers who cemented the foundations of our federation led by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Meanwhile, we extend our gratitude to his highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, his highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and the rulers of the emirates for following the steps of the founding fathers in transforming our country into a highly admired and respected country all over the world".

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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- Media & Public Relations
Dubai Financial Market
Tel: 04-3055334
Email: afathy@dfm.ae

© Press Release 2011