​EFG Hermes will be the lead equity sponsor of the first NASDAQ OMX Middle East Investor Conference, set to be held in Dubai on Thursday November 20, 2008. The landmark event will provide the Middle Eastern investor community with the opportunity to meet with and learn more about the strategies of more than 30 leading listed companies in a number of sectors including information technology, healthcare, media, retail, precious minerals and natural resources companies, among many others. Participating companies are drawn from countries ranging from the United States and United Kingdom to China, Russia, India, Scandinavia and the Arab world. Guests will engage in timely panel discussions and one-on-one meetings with senior representatives from corporate giants including Cisco, Intel and Infosys. They will also have the opportunity to learn more about DIFX’s exciting new equity derivative initiative, and plans for exchange traded funds in the Gulf capital markets. Commenting on the event, EFG Hermes CEO, Hassan Heikal said, “We’re delighted to be sponsors of the first NASDAQ OMX conference in the Middle East. The choice of the Middle East in general and Dubai in particular, is well-taken. This will cast the international spotlight on a region that has proven to be one of the key global markets.” The NASDAQ OMX conference is an excellent way to maintain a dialogue between investors and senior executives of listed companies, particularly when markets are sluggish, Heikal continued, saying, “Hearing their business forecasts firsthand will give the investment community invaluable insight into the future of the markets. The participating companies will also benefit from the exposure to Gulf markets.” The one-day conference will end by opening the US market for the first time directly from the Middle East with the NASDAQ OMX Opening Bell Ceremony.