Abu Dhabi Hosts 16th Edition of MEIRA Conference and Awards

The Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA) Conference returns for its 16th edition on December 11-12, 2024, in Abu Dhabi. Renowned as the premier event for investor relations (IR) professionals in the region, this year’s theme, ‘Bridging Opportunities: Accelerating IR in the Middle Eastern Capital Markets,’ reflects the pivotal role IR plays in driving economic growth and innovation in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.

Abu Dhabi, a rapidly growing global financial hub, offers the perfect backdrop for an event designed to bring together financial experts, market leaders, and professionals to exchange ideas, explore opportunities, and tackle the pressing challenges facing the region’s capital markets.

The MEIRA Conference 2024

The 16th MEIRA Conference focuses on equipping professionals with insights and strategies to address some of the most significant developments shaping the financial landscape. This year’s agenda is built around five main themes:

1. Trading: Examining how advancements in technology and regulatory frameworks are transforming cross-border capital flows and fostering integration among exchanges.
2. Market Dynamics: Exploring the impact of geopolitical shifts, economic trends, and market volatility on the Middle East’s capital markets.
3. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Practices: Highlighting the growing importance of sustainability and ethical investment frameworks in attracting and retaining investors.
4. Islamic Finance: Delving into the rising demand for Shariah-compliant financial products and their implications for regional and global markets.
5. Economic Growth: Analyzing how investor relations can drive development and innovation across the Middle East.

Workshops at the MEIRA Conference 2024 are designed to provide actionable insights and equip attendees with skills to thrive in the evolving financial ecosystem. This year, participants can choose from 18 targeted sessions covering cutting-edge topics such as:

• Stakeholder Communication: Leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize engagement with investors and stakeholders.
• Integrated Reporting: Developing cohesive reports that align with global standards while addressing regional nuances.
• Regulatory Compliance: Understanding the complexities of regulatory frameworks in the Middle East’s capital markets.
• Digital Transformation in IR: Embracing technology to modernize IR practices and create value-driven communication strategies.

These workshops are led by seasoned experts and practitioners, ensuring attendees leave with practical knowledge and tools to implement in their organizations.

The MEIRA Conference continues to attract high-profile sponsors, reflecting its reputation as a must-attend event for the global financial community. Leading the roster is ADNOC Group, the main sponsor, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and excellence in investor relations.

Strategic sponsors include the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), and Smart Media. Additionally, some of the world’s leading financial institutions—such as HSBC, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Emirates NBD, Goldman Sachs, Riyad Bank, Nasdaq, and the London Stock Exchange (LSE)—are supporting the event. Their participation underscores the importance of MEIRA as a platform for fostering collaboration and innovation across the financial sector.

ADNOC Group

As the main sponsor, ADNOC Group plays a central role in the conference. Khaled Al Zaabi, Group Chief Financial Officer at ADNOC, emphasized the event’s significance:

“Our participation in the MEIRA Conference demonstrates ADNOC’s unwavering commitment to transparency, corporate governance, and active investor engagement. This platform allows us to showcase our strategic achievements, elaborate on growth opportunities, and highlight the sustainable value we deliver to our stakeholders.”

ADNOC’s six listed subsidiaries will also participate, providing attendees with a closer look at the company’s strategies, operational excellence, and contributions to the regional and global energy landscape.

In 2024, the MEIRA Conference takes a bold step forward by expanding its scope beyond traditional IR officers to include buy-side and sell-side professionals. This inclusive approach aims to foster deeper connections within the financial ecosystem, creating a more comprehensive dialogue on market trends and opportunities.

A major highlight of this year’s event is the introduction of corporate access, which facilitates direct, pre-scheduled meetings between MEIRA members and international as well as local buy-side professionals. These one-on-one interactions are designed to foster meaningful partnerships and unlock new investment opportunities for both parties.

ADX’s Role

The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) is a vital player in the Middle East’s capital markets and a strategic sponsor of the MEIRA Conference. Abdulla Salem AlNuaimi, Group CEO at ADX, shared his vision for the event:

“Hosting the MEIRA Conference aligns with ADX’s mission to enhance connectivity between listed companies and a diverse investor base. This event is a testament to our commitment to fostering market engagement, unlocking innovative services, and supporting the growth ambitions of issuers and investors alike.”

ADX continues to lead initiatives that promote transparency, sustainability, and innovation, making it a cornerstone of the UAE’s financial infrastructure.

The MEIRA Conference is not just about presentations and panels—it’s about creating a platform for open dialogue and collaboration. This year’s event will feature a stellar lineup of regional and international experts, who will share their insights on topics such as:

• Integrating ESG in Capital Markets: Exploring the role of sustainability in attracting long-term investment.
• Islamic Finance as a Growth Engine: Highlighting how Shariah-compliant products can drive financial inclusion and innovation.
• Technology’s Role in Transforming IR: Discuss how digital tools are reshaping communication strategies and stakeholder engagement.

Paolo Casamassima, CEO of MEIRA, emphasized the conference’s broader mission:

“The MEIRA Annual Conference is more than an event—it’s a catalyst for change in the Middle East’s capital markets. By bringing together global and regional experts, we aim to address the challenges and opportunities facing investor relations professionals and set a roadmap for the future.”

Sustainability has emerged as a critical component of investor relations, and the MEIRA Conference places ESG practices at the forefront of its agenda. With investors increasingly prioritizing ethical and sustainable investments, companies in the Middle East are under pressure to align their operations with global ESG standards.

Workshops and panels will explore how organizations can effectively integrate ESG principles into their business models and reporting frameworks, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly changing market.

Islamic Finance

The Middle East is a global leader in Islamic finance, a sector that continues to gain traction among international investors. The MEIRA Conference will delve into the opportunities presented by Shariah-compliant financial products, examining how they can drive financial inclusion and foster innovation.

As Islamic finance grows in prominence, it is increasingly seen as a bridge between traditional and modern financial practices, offering ethical investment options that appeal to a wide range of stakeholders.

Building Connections That Matter

One of the key attractions of the MEIRA Conference is its focus on fostering meaningful connections among participants. From informal gatherings to structured corporate access meetings, the event provides numerous opportunities for attendees to build relationships, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations.

This year’s corporate access initiative is particularly noteworthy, offering participants a unique opportunity to engage directly with local and international investors, facilitating discussions that could lead to significant investment opportunities.

Abu Dhabi: A Global Financial Hub

As the host city, Abu Dhabi underscores its position as a leading global financial hub. The city’s robust infrastructure, commitment to innovation, and strategic location make it an ideal venue for an event of this magnitude.

In recent years, Abu Dhabi has made significant strides in attracting foreign investment and promoting economic diversification. By hosting the MEIRA Conference, the city reinforces its reputation as a center for thought leadership and financial excellence.

As the Middle East continues to evolve as a global financial powerhouse, the importance of investor relations cannot be overstated. The MEIRA Conference serves as a vital platform for professionals to stay ahead of industry trends, share best practices, and contribute to the development of a more dynamic and inclusive financial ecosystem.

The region’s capital markets are attracting increasing global attention, and events like MEIRA play a crucial role in ensuring that professionals are equipped to navigate this complex landscape. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and transparency, the conference lays the foundation for sustainable growth and long-term success.

The 16th MEIRA Conference in Abu Dhabi is more than just a gathering—it’s a transformative experience for anyone involved in investor relations, finance, or capital markets. With its comprehensive agenda, high-profile sponsors, and focus on emerging trends, the event offers unparalleled value to attendees.

Whether you’re an IR professional, a buy-side or sell-side investor, or a corporate leader, the MEIRA Conference is an opportunity to gain insights, build connections, and shape the future of capital markets in the Middle East. As the region continues to rise as a global economic powerhouse, this event stands out as a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and growth.