NASDAQ Dubai Appoints Hamed Ali as CEO

NASDAQ Dubai, a leading multi asset financial market place, that offers domestic and international investors trading in equities, derivatives, Sukuks, Bonds and REITs has selected Hamed Ahmed Ali as its new CEO. The appointment follows Mr. Ali’s success in developing the Exchange in the role of Acting Chief Executive Officer since August 2012. Activities at NASDAQ Dubai in 2013 include listing a number of Sukuk and conventional bonds and preparing innovative plans for further expansion in addition to listing of equities, Mr Ali was involved in the recent milestone Sukuk, a $1 billion conventional Tier 1 bond issued by Emirates NBD.

Abdul Wahed Al Fahim, Chairman of NASDAQ Dubai, said in a statement to the media: “Hamed Ahmed Ali’s record of achievement positions the exchange to grow further and offer new advantages to issuers and investors. The expansion and strengthening of Dubai’s economy, combined with MSCI’s upgrade of the UAE to Emerging Market status last month, are positive indicators for the future of the country’s capital markets.

NASDAQ Dubai is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). The DFSA provides a regulatory environment of international standards. The exchange is the only venue where investors can trade derivatives, The exchange offers stock indices as well as equity derivatives in 20 major blue chip socks including; Agthia Group, Air Arabia, Aramex and several others.

Speaking about the new role in the official press briefing, Mr. Ali said: “I greatly appreciate the support of NASDAQ Dubai’s Board of Directors in making this appointment as well as the professionalism and commitment shown by the NASDAQ Dubai team. As the exchange expands, it looks forward to welcoming a variety of new listings including initial public offerings (IPOs) and further Sukuk and conventional bonds.”

“NASDAQ Dubai will pursue its mandate to innovate by creating new markets that will provide exciting investment and Risk Management tools to regional and international investors.”

Dubai is the most advanced economic and financial centre in the entire Middle East and North Africa region. Dubai is home to a large number of FX and CFD brokers present since the last decade. The central bank regulates several brokers including; ADS Securities and Century Financial Brokers who provide derivatives trading.