EFG Hermes Brokerage took the number one position on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) in 2007 with 14.69 per cent of daily trades – an increase from 3.59 per cent from 2005 when the company launched its operations in the UAE and a ranking of 19. The company replicated this success on the Abu Dhabi Securities Market (ADSM). Overall in 2007 it ranked second, with 13.10 per cent of daily trades – marking an increase from 4.16 per cent and a ranking of 14 in 2005. This achievement reached its pinnacle in December 2007 when the company closed the year being ranked first, clearly ahead of all its competitors. 'Since our launch two years ago we have firmly cemented our position as the leading broker in the UAE – and with our number one ranking on the Cairo and Alexandria Exchange (CASE) we go in to 2008 firmly focused on replicating our success across the region' commented Seif Fikry, Head of EFG Hermes Brokerage UAE. 'Western institutions have been instrumental in driving the markets in 2007. Foreign investor participation as well as new listings and rising earnings growth lie behind a remarkable year in 2007 for the UAE markets,' continued Mr. Fikry. 'The significance of foreign and specifically Western investors to market activity will continue to grow in 2008. The inclusion of the UAE and GCC within international indices will increase international awareness of the region and this in turn will mark an increase in retail investor activity on the markets. EFG Hermes Brokerage is strongly positioned to support this increase in participation with the resources; regulatory requirements and expertise to provide investors with access to this increasingly exciting region.'