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Shuaa Partners obtains licence to operate in DIFC

DUBAI — Shuaa Partners, the private equity arm of leading regional investment banking institution Shuaa Capital psc, has received a licence from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) to operate as an authorised firm in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

Abe Saad, Shuaa Partners' Managing Director, commented: "We are delighted to have received this licence as it underscores our commitment to be a 'best in class' private equity firm in the Middle East. We have ambitious plans for Shuaa Partners and we strongly believe that by operating within the realm of a world-class regulator, we gain a platform that allows us to raise more funds and reach a wider audience of investors."

Raed Kanaan, Vice-President at Shuaa Partners added: "The private equity industry in the Middle East is growing rapidly and the need to follow standards and abide by certain regulations has become imperative especially at a time when regional fund managers are absorbing a larger share of domestic savings and investments. We believe that the DIFC is the right approach for us".

Dr. Omar bin Sulaiman, Director General of Dubai International Financial Centre Authority commented: "We welcome Shuaa Partners to the DIFC. The private equity sector in the region is set for tremendous growth. Early indications show that private equity in the Middle East and North Africa region is set to double in size. Though this is a relatively small proportion of the global industry, there are definite signs of its coming of age here. The DIFC is the ideal platform to reach out into this vibrant and fast growing regional market. I wish Shuaa Partners all the success".

Shuaa Partners follows a long and distinguished track record of successful transactions in the Arab markets by Shuaa Capital. Its first fund, Shuaa Partners Fund I, L.P., which closed with $200 million of commitments in September 2005 aims to achieve capital appreciation through selected investments in the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt.