Global Equity Partners, a specialist capital markets consultancy firm, said it has appointed Sheikh Rashed bin Ahmed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum to its board.

This appointment underpins Global Equities Partners’ rapidly increasing advisory work in the UAE as capital market activity returns supported by a wider resurgent economy, said a company statement.

Global Equity Partners, which has offices in Dubai and London, advises companies on critical issues aligned to their growth and funding needs with a particular expertise in advising regional and international businesses on the UAE’s capital markets.

For 2014, the IMF has predicted UAE GDP growth of 4.5 per cent driven by robust economic fundamentals, Dubai’s recent Expo 2020 win and Abu Dhabi’s buoyant oil and gas industry and aligned investment.

In addition, MSCI’s (Morgan Stanley Capital International) recent upgrade of the UAE to ‘emerging market’ status is expected to facilitate capital inflow into the Emirate of around $370m according to industry experts.

Global Equity Partners is currently advising RegisCard Group, a global solutions leader in turnkey host based prepaid cards, to raise acquisition funds and assist the company in achieving its aim of being listed on Nasdaq Dubai.

The company is also advising Medinas Holding BV on a capital raise and wider capital market opportunities in the region, which will facilitate the on-going growth of its innovative new cancer treatment solution, which is FDA approved and CE registered.

Other current transactions include, advising Scandinavian Agritex Co, a Sri Lanka based green Agriculture Technology and Textile business which is currently marketing to raise pre-IPO funds.

Global Equity Partners is also working closely with Dubai-based Sovereign Gulf Partners, to ensure that all its investment opportunities fit with the exact requirements of Middle Eastern institutional and high net worth investors.

On the appointment, Sheikh Rashed said: "I am delighted to join the Global Equity Partners team who are passionate in their support of high quality growth businesses and the funding opportunities that exist for them across the UAE’s capital markets. I look forward to providing as much support as possible and facilitating the success of these businesses, which play a key role in our economy’s ongoing success.”

CEO Peter Smith said: "We are honoured to have Sheikh Rashed join our Board. He brings a fantastic business network and a ‘can do’ mentality, which will be invaluable to the companies we mentor."

According to him, the next 24 months, with on-going capital inflows, improving valuations across the board, uplifts in rading volumes and IPO activity, well positions the UAE’s stock markets to deliver strong returns over the medium to long term.

"These positive trends will support our deal pipeline and with the on-going support of our key partner Sovereign Gulf Partners I look forward to reporting on further progress in due course," he added.

Welcoming Sheikh Rashed into the board, Amir Merchant, the CEO of Sovereign Gulf Partners said: "His winning mentality and his passion for excellence is reflected in the nature of the companies that both GEP and we advise."

"We are highly selective and work only with quality businesses with global growth potential and prepare them to fit the investment profile and criteria of key Middle Eastern institutions.  The appointment of His Highness will further strengthen our endeavours," he added.-TradeArabia News Service