DUBAI — The UAE Financial Markets Association is challenging the region’s investment bankers, traders, treasury managers and finance professionals to brace for change amid the rise of populism in the West and the sharing economy grows.

The three-day event concluded Saturday at the Sofitel Hotel & Resort, The Palm.

Delivering a keynote speech, Abdul Rahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General of Dubai Department of Finance, stressed the importance of the ICA conference and its impact on the development of the investment arena in the Arab region.

He highlighted the conference’s importance not only for the expansion of investment, but also for development on a professional, technical and a legislative level, which are critical for shaping the features of work and entitlements in a successful investment environment, and determine the extent of growth when attracting individuals and investment institutions.

Hosted in collaboration with the ICA and strategic partner Emirates NBD, this year’s theme, ‘Bracing for Change’, was chosen in light of the lowered expectations in the global growth outlook, the increasing importance of GCC Sovereign Wealth Funds and sizing up the potential of capital markets.

One of the highlights on the opening day was the keynote presentation by Sir Peter Westmacott, British Ambassador to the United States from 2012 to 2016, who discussed the major risks and opportunities in today’s uncertain world.

Ahoud Al Ali, Treasurer at the UAE Financial Markets Association, said: “Our aim is to facilitate the connectivity between local and international financial bodies, as well as the sharing of ideas and knowledge. We have brought some of the world’s foremost analytical financial minds to Dubai this week to take you through a journey of change. — SG