"There are growing opportunities for investor relations professionals in the UAE as companies grow their operational footprint and look towards global money markets to access long term capital," said Robinder Singh, Investor Relations & External Affairs Director at Dana Gas

The Middle East Investor Relations Society continues the Certified Investor Relations Officer training across GCC countries

Abu Dhabi, June 1st 2015 - The Middle East Investor Relations Society ("MEIRS") announces the successful completion of the internationally recognized Certified Investor Relations Officer ("CIRO") training program and exam, held in Abu Dhabi, on May 27th - 28th.  The independent, not-for-profit society aims to enhance the reputation of the Middle East's capital markets through upholding international best practice across the investor relations ("IR") profession.

A total of 14 professionals completed the CIRO, the only certified investor relations course throughout the Middle East, conducted in partnership with the UK Investor Relations Society. In line with the rapid development of regional capital markets, the investor relations practice in the region is evolving and expanding fast across the GCC nations.

Oliver Schutzmann, Chairman of the Middle East Investor Relations Society, said, "Listed companies complying with international best practice IR are better positioned to attract the attention of global fund managers and institutional investors."

"For UAE companies to access global capital markets and compete with some of the truly international players, they need to act and communicate accordingly. Savvy investors buy what they can see and understand. A steady flow of information, timely and adequate disclosures are essential attributes for any company seeking to broaden its international shareholder base," continued Schutzmann. "Investor relations officers have a significant role to play in this transition and we strongly believe the CIRO training and accreditation will equip them with the right tools to perform their job."

Traditionally the UAE has seen its economy being driven by government, with a private sector largely comprised of leading family groups. In order to access growth capital and assess underlying valuations, businesses are realizing a need to access capital markets. "There are growing opportunities for investor relations professionals in the UAE as companies grow their operational footprint and look towards global money markets to access long term capital," said Robinder Singh, Investor Relations & External Affairs Director at Dana Gas. "The Abu Dhabi Exchange and the Dubai Financial Market, supported by the Securities and Commodities Authority, are highly supportive in terms of creating an enabling framework and are aggressively pushing to enhance disclosure and transparency in the markets," Singh added.

A clear IR strategy will positively help the investor relations officer deliver fair valuation for the company's stock and reduce future funding costs. While this mirrors the objectives of the CIRO program, membership with MEIRS further develops participants' education and provides information, training, networking opportunities, and career support.     

In addition to the UAE session, the CIRO training and examination has also been conducted in Kuwait and Qatar. A new series will be offered in Q3 2015 for professionals looking to obtain their accreditation.

About the Middle East Investor Relations Society
The Middle East Investor Relations Society (MEIRS) was established in 2008 and is an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting international best practice investor relations (IR) standards across the region. We are committed to fostering increased dialogue among our members and encourage them to share and adopt best practice techniques within the field of IR.

In partnership with regional stock exchanges, regulators and other market participants, MEIRS supports listed firms through its membership program, education, certification and peer networking. Our objective is to enhance the reputation, efficiency and attractiveness of the Middle East capital markets.

For more information relating to events, membership, education, training, sponsorship or media opportunities please contact:
Clemence Piot
General Manager, Middle East Investor Relations Society
cpiot@me-irsociety.com 
+971561364661

All information is also published on www.me-irsociety.com      

About Investor Relations
The National Investor Relations Institute defines IR as "a strategic management responsibility that integrates finance, communication, marketing and regulatory rules, and compliance to enable the most effective two-way communication between a company and the financial community, which ultimately contributes to a company's securities achieving fair valuation". The increase in importance of IR roles has been attributed to continuing globalization of financial markets and the further complexity this adds to regulations and legalities. IR roles have been linked to having a significant effect on attracting investment and reducing a company's cost of capital.

© Press Release 2015