Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al-Ghuriar Addresses Arab Banking Conference 2008 in Egypt

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 6 April 2008 - Abdul Aziz Al-Ghuriar, Chairman of the National Federal Council and CEO of Mashreq today speaks at the Arab Banking Conference taking place at the Conrad Hotel in Cairo, Egypt from April 6^th to April 7^th.

Hosted by the Arab Union under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Ahmad Nazif, Egypt's Prime Minister, and in cooperation with the Central Bank of Egypt, the Banks' Association of Egypt, and the International Federation of Arab Bankers, this year's conference focuses on the role of banking in financing Arab investment projects.

During the conference, Abdul Aziz Al-Ghuriar discusses the major factors that influence the flow of the investment in a particular economy. Al-Ghuriar explained the importance of the regulatory environment, the banking system and alignment of the government and private sector in enhancing the investment arena in the Arab region.

"In today's world, local and foreign direct investments play the most important role in the development of an economy," says Abdul Aziz Al-Ghuriar, Chairman of the National Federal Council and CEO of Mashreq bank. "Various measures are being taken to promote investments in the Arab countries including the opening of certain economic sectors to foreign investments in addition to providing the right incentives. Foreign direct investment gives a boost to the economic development by bringing in new technology, new skill sets and investments in the capital goods."

The Arab Banking Conference mainly aims at introducing initiatives and opportunities for enhancing effectiveness of development banks, investment institutions and funds in the Arab world. This will provide suitable financing tools and techniques for major Arab investment projects that would contribute to securing its strong momentum, gaining a robust economic dimension for the region. Other key topics include providing the opportunity for economists, financiers and bankers to hold open discussions to set a comprehensive vision to boost and expand economic cooperation in the Arabic world.

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About Mashreq
Mashreq is the largest private bank in the UAE and also the second oldest. Founded in 1967 as Bank of Oman, the bank has played a pioneering role in the industry, particularly in retail banking. Among its many firsts it was the first to launch such products as travellers' cheques, credit cards and ATMs.

It is invariably among the highest performing banks in the region. Last year it recorded a Net Profit of over US$470 million from a Total Operating Income of $844 million. At the end of last year its Total Assets stood at $15.2 billion

Mashreq has received numerous international awards, particularly for quality management. According to independent research it has more ISO certifications than any bank in the region by a wide margin.

As a leading financial Institution in the UAE Mashreq aims to be world class in every facet of its business, including its social responsibility to the community it serves. Towards this goal the bank pays particular attention to recruiting, training, developing and retaining UAE National employees.

For further information, please contact:
Saad Hakim
PR Manager, Mashreq
Tel: 04 6083707
Email: SaadHa@mashreqbank.com

Rania Helmy
Dalia Al Najjar
Gulf Hill & Knowlton
Tel: 04 334 4930
Email:Rania.Helmy@hillandknowlton.com
Email: Dalia.Najjar@hillandknowlton.com