The role of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the Arab and regional economies will be highlighted with a special focus on emerging markets at the upcoming Annual Investment Meeting (AIM) in Dubai.

Organised by the UAE Ministry of Economy, the event is set to take place from April 8 to 10 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Expected to attract 10,000 investors during the three day-event, AIM will discuss various economic issues related to emerging markets, mainly in the areas of services, transport and infrastructure, among others.

Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, UAE Minister of Economy said: “The 4th edition of AIM has succeeded in attracting representatives from 73 countries so far, which proves its position as the leading annual economic event in the region. Many counties from outside the region are also participating which reflects the rising importance of the event on the global front. The Middle East is among the top consuming regions globally, with a high spending power compared to western countries.”

“It is clear that the local economy is witnessing a steady transformation from major dependence on the oil sector to a more diversified economy, which will secure sustainability in the long run.

“The results are already visible across various sectors, mainly, trade, tourism, entertainment, services, communication plus many other vital sectors. This is part of the UAE government’s vision in facilitating foreign investment by introducing laws and legislations that secure foreign investors rights and provide high ROI, considered among the highest in the world,” he added.

The UAE has seen a series of new laws and legislations before and after the announcement of the successful Expo 2020 bid that covered various sectors, part of which are the licensing and classification of hotel establishments in Dubai and the set of regulations on mortgage lending issued by the Central Bank of UAE.

Dawood Al Shezawi, CEO, AIM’s Organizing Committee, said: “These regulations have contributed, along with many others, in creating an ideal investment atmosphere that will attract foreign investors. This has also encouraged overseas companies to allocate more investment allocation to the UAE market.”

“AIM will discuss these topics, along with others, through numerous various seminar sessions focused on raising awareness of foreign direct investment and its role in allowing a sustainable economic boom. The next edition of AIM presents a pool of interests for investors and we expect the turnout of visitors to be very high,” he added.

The Annual Investment Meeting 2014 will attract the best international practices across various investment sectors. The event has also attracted strong governmental and private sector participation bringing decision makers and economic players under one roof. – TradeArabia News Service