Dubai Financial Market (DFM) has welcomed the successful listing of Parkin Company (Parkin), the exclusive public parking operator in Dubai with an extensive three-decade track record. 

 

Marking the first public offering of 2024 on the DFM, this milestone listing continues the Emirate’s robust capital markets development strategy to float government, state-related, and private sector entities, which is a key component of the ambitious agenda unveiled at the end of 2021. 

 

Trading under the symbol ‘PARKIN’, the firm's offering garnered significant attention from international and regional institutional investors, along with retail investors in the UAE. The aggregate demand of AED259 billion ($71 billion), reflects an impressive oversubscription of 165 times. This robust response underscores investor confidence in Parkin's growth strategy and strong investment proposition, against the backdrop of Dubai's steadfast economic performance and population expansion plans.

 

Ahmed Hashem Bahrozyan, Chairman of Parkin, rang the DFM market opening bell to celebrate the listing, in the presence of Helal Al Marri, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the DFM, Eng Mohamed Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of Parkin, and Hamed Ali, Chief Executive Officer of the DFM and Nasdaq Dubai.

 

Record-breaking listing

Bahrozyan said: “With a systemic role in Dubai’s transport ecosystem, now and in the future, Parkin’s record-breaking listing on the DFM reflects great confidence in the Emirate’s long-term growth and success. With a near thirty-year track record in parking management, Parkin provides critical infrastructure that enables mobility to support the city’s expansion plans. As a public company, we will continue to enhance and expand our vision to provide seamless, sustainable, and innovative mobility solutions that support the ambitions of our wise leadership to make Dubai the best city to live in worldwide.”

 

Al Marri said: “The rapid strides in implementing the capital markets development strategy overseen by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance have positioned the DFM as one of the most dynamic financial markets globally. The significant levels of investor interest highlight not only the compelling investment case for Parkin but also the enduring allure of Dubai's history, progress, and its long-term economic vision.”

 

Al Ali commented: “We are proud to debut Parkin and welcome our new investors on the DFM following the highest ever oversubscription level for an IPO on the stock exchange. Our record listing is testament to Parkin’s compelling equity story, operating at the centre of Dubai’s ambitious economic growth and population expansion plans. The continued success of the Emirate drives our success. With a market leading position, proven track record of innovation and well-defined growth strategy, I am confident in Parkin’s future opportunities as we continue to serve the expanding mobility needs of our customers, partners, and the city for decades to come.”

 

Leading exchange

Hamed Ali said: “This event reinforces DFM's position as the region’s leading exchange, offering diverse opportunities for investors and enabling companies to contribute to Dubai’s economic growth. With the increasing confidence among both investors and new issuers in Dubai's capital markets, we look forward to seeing a robust pipeline of successful IPOs in 2024.”

 

In 2023, the DFM General Index has seen a notable 21.7% increase, contributing to a total trading value of AED101 billion. With an investor base exceeding a million, representing over 200 nationalities, DFM welcomed 62,676 new investors, reflecting its global appeal, underscoring its role as a vibrant and diverse financial ecosystem.--TradeArabia News Service