Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is introducing MEFX - The Middle East International Banking, Financial Technology & Services Exhibition and Conference - responding to the needs of the expanding regional banking and finance industries.

The inaugural event will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from April 15 to 17, 2008.

Inspired by Dubai’s ambition to become one of the world’s leading financial centres and to stimulate greater economic development and diversification in the region, MEFX will be the catalyst to connect finance professionals from around the world with suppliers of specialist products and services. It is anticipated to immediately establish itself as the leading exhibition of its kind in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region (MEASA), said a DWTC official.
 
“Banking and finance have always been a key growth sector in the Middle East” said director general of Dubai World Trade Centre Helal Saeed Al Marri.

“MEFX will be aligned to contribute to Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE prime minister and vice-president, and Ruler of Dubai’s 2015 Strategic Plan that focuses on developing the emirates dynamic growth industries. This includes the banking sector, which is a vital driver behind Dubai’s phenomenal economic achievements.  DWTC is proud to provide an influential platform for greater innovative and strategic development in the region,” he added.

MEFX will cover all products, services and technologies relating to the banking and finance sector. Exhibitors will include technology providers, banks and financial institutions, consultants, data providers, ratings agencies, recruitment agencies, training companies and other suppliers to the industry.

MEFX will showcase the latest technological tools for the financial world including the most recent developments in check 21/check clearing and settlement, disaster recovery, security, identity management, mobile trading, risk management and analytics, branch automation and multi-channel integration.

Islamic banking and finance will be a key focus at MEFX, responding to the growing significance of Islamic finance on the world stage including the establishment of EAMAR International Bank, growth in the Sukuk market and the increasing portfolio of Shariah compliant products and services available to customers. The Islamic Finance Market is currently experiencing 20 per cent annual growth.

In association with the exhibition, DWTC is hosting the MEFX Summit, designed to meet the needs of senior management professionals. The summit will feature international experts and discuss topics that address core issues relevant to the ever changing financial services sector including market harmonization, funds industry, global exchange platforms, Islamic banking, new world economies, outsourcing and the securities landscape. – TradeArabia News Service