Dubai will have its own NASDAQ market

On November 20 at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) there will be Opening Bell Ceremony held by the NASDAQ Stock Market. The ceremony will be broadcasted live in Times Square in New York and around the globe. It will be dedicated to the newly rebranded stock market in Dubai. Now the Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX) will be known under the name of NASDAQ Dubai. The rebranding is effective from November 18.

Besides, NASDAQ OMX Group, the world's largest exchange company, reported that it is going to list its shares on NASDAQ Dubai on November 20th and host its First Middle East Investor Conference in Dubai the same day. These moves are indicating growing links between NASDAQ OMX Group and NASDAQ Dubai, as well as the growth of Dubai as an international financial centre. Earlier in February 2008 NASDAQ OMX acquired a one-third stake in NASDAQ Dubai while the other two-thirds belong to Borse Dubai. NASDAQ Dubai has attracted listings from around the world and from within its own region and thus created a world class exchange infrastructure.

Bob Greifeld, Chief Executive of NASDAQ OMX Group and Vice Chairman of NASDAQ Dubai, said, "NASDAQ Dubai provides a first-class venue through which NASDAQ OMX listed companies can reach new investors in the Gulf and the Middle East. We've attracted 29 companies to our first Middle East investor conference here in Dubai and there is clear and tangible interest in this market. At the same time, we can provide local investors with opportunities to invest in innovative, growth-oriented companies." Greifeld added, "To facilitate dual listings on NASDAQ Dubai, we have created a streamlined listing process for companies looking to have a secondary listing here."