Dubai Financial Market Entrants Program

July 17^th, 2006

The Dubai Financial Market (DFM), assisted by the American Academy of Financial Management (AAFM), today announced the commencement of a professional market entrants training program and internship for young nationals of the UAE. The 4-month internship includes a seven week training program on capital markets, investment theory and portfolio management developed specifically for DFM and backed by US-issued professional qualifications.

The AAFM, who designed the program for DFM, has been active in the Gulf region since 2001, but moved its international (ex-USA) operational headquarters to Dubai at the start of 2005. The founder and President of AAFM, Dr. George Mentz commented, “We are incredibly excited to provide AAFM Accredited Programs and Executive Certification Training to Leading Authorities in Dubai. We see the UAE as one of our most important markets in the region, if not the world."

The AAFM's involvement in the UAE nationalization initiative and DFM’s internship program, is indicative of our strong commitment to alliances with market operators and regulators. Key to the growth of the local market is the infusion of young talent, with the right skills to compete both regionally and internationally”.

AAFM congratulates the Dubai Financial Market and Director Kazim on their vision and support of this internship and education program. Such initiatives will clearly promote the positioning of Dubai as an international finance hub.”

The DFM Market Entrants program will include four key areas/designations:

• Registered Business Analyst - Business Analytics and Strategy
• Chartered Market Analyst – Capital Markets Theory, Valuation and Analysis techniques
• Chartered Portfolio Manager – Portfolio Management & Asset Allocation

• Certified Risk Analyst – Risk Assessment, Mitigation and Management

The training program, rather than being academic in nature, is very pragmatic, focused on preparing graduates to enter the workforce with a core set of critical skills. Whether entrants ultimately go on to work on the trading floor, in a brokerage or investment house, or elsewhere in the finance sector, the Market Entrants program will help them be productive from day one, and markedly enhance their long-term career perspectives.

The program includes speakers from local institutions and leading organizations, like the Al Fardan Group, Forbes Arabia, and various listed companies, as well as internationally recognized experts from Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia and elsewhere.

The DFM Market Entrants program kicks-off on July 22^nd and will be completed before Ramadan.

The American Academy of Financial Management is the worlds fastest growing board certified professional association. The AAFM was established in 1996 through the merger of two separate professional bodies, and has grown to encompass more than 40,000 members and associates in over 140 countries.