The Dubai Week, to be held in the last week of November, is due to become a regular feature in the regional and international financial calendar. The week will include seminars presented by the Hawkamah Institute of Corporate Governance, Gulf Venture Capital Association, KPMG, Financial Times, MEED and Euromoney.

“In only its second year of operation, the DIFC has grown and is comprised of leading international and regional institutions who are leaders in their industries. Their presence contributes significantly to the region’s economies, providing the expertise and access to capital needed to sustain growth and ensure future prosperity," noted Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, Governor of DIFC.

"The DIFC Week provides a definitive forum for existing and potential firms to learn more about the key growth areas for financial services in the MENA region," he added.

Noting that a recent GCC corporate governance survey highlighted a 'gap' in corporate governance standards compared to international standards, Dr. Nasser Saidi, Executive Director of Hawkamah said that Dubai Week will lead to a declaration of intent on raising corporate governance standards.

"This conference provides an opportunity for delegates to gain insight from some of the world’s leading experts on corporate governance and contribute toward the Dubai Declaration on Corporate Governance, to be issued on day two," he explained.

Richard Banks, Director, Middle East, Euromoney Conferences described the event as "the single most important date in Dubai’s financial calendar".

"Our conference, now in its second year, brings together the strongest names in the business as partners, sponsors and participants," he explained.

This year the Euromoney conference will discuss the implications of superabundant regional liquidity.

Edmund O’Sullivan, Editorial Director, MEED, said that Dubai week provides the ideal opportunity to discuss the surge in infrastructure project activity in the region, which has reached record levels. MEED estimates that this market is now worth over US$1 trillion.

"The resulting business opportunities being created for infrastructure financiers and other stakeholders is simply unprecedented," he observed.

Meanwhile, the Financial Times Fund Management Conference will cater for funds and asset managers interested in tapping the region’s growing high net worth investor pool.

"We are very pleased to be working with the DIFC and helping to make DIFC Week a success," said Mark Cunnington, Publisher, FTfm.

"As publishers of FTfm, the world's largest circulating Fund Management publication, it is fitting that we are hosting the inaugural Fund Management event in the region," he added.