DFM Unveils Agenda And Speaker Line-Up For 2025 Capital Market Summit In Dubai

The Dubai Financial Market has revealed the agenda and speaker list for the 3rd MENA Capital Market Summit. This event is set to take place on 6–7 May at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. The summit will explore significant changes in both global and regional capital markets, focusing on fintech innovation, IPO activities, cross-border flows, the rise of retail investors, and private market transformation.

Over 100 senior leaders are expected to speak at the summit. Notable speakers include Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of DFM; Ken Robins from Citi; Richard Cormack from Goldman Sachs; Simon Williams from HSBC; and Lord Stephen A. Carter from Informa. The event anticipates over 1,500 participants along with 200 industry partners.

The summit's agenda includes keynote speeches, panel discussions, and sector-focused sessions. A new feature this year is The Hub, which will provide interactive engagement opportunities. Attendees can expect platform demonstrations and insights from DFM and its partners about services that drive capital market growth.

Platinum sponsors such as Bank of America, Citi, Emirates NBD, and HSBC will also participate in the summit. Executives from these companies will discuss topics like regulatory reform, investor trends, and innovations in capital markets.

Bank of America highlighted the region’s growing access to capital and regulatory maturity. Citi pointed out Dubai’s significant role in global transactions and investment opportunities. Emirates NBD emphasised digital innovation alongside regional financial integration. HSBC noted its involvement in 65 percent of approximately US$26.2 billion raised through UAE IPOs between 2022–2025.

Hamed Ali, CEO of DFM and Nasdaq Dubai, stated that the summit underscores Dubai’s position as a financial gateway. In 2024 alone, AED10.48 billion was raised through IPOs with participation from 1.2 million investors representing over 200 nationalities.

Dubai's Strategic Role

Ali remarked that "The summit arrives at a pivotal time to discuss innovation, cross-border collaboration and regulatory change, offering key insights to guide the future of capital markets." This highlights the importance of such gatherings in shaping future strategies for capital markets.

With inputs from WAM