The Middle East is a hotbed for project financing opportunities: with a thriving infrastructure pipeline, an established energy industry and of course a vast field of petrochemical and utilities projects, among others. As the sector gathers pace and sophistication, priorities are also beginning to shift towards a more conscious attitude regarding clean energy, green business and environmental awareness – especially as the economic and geopolitical challenges in the region and globally cast a shadow over potential progress. As the industry develops, IFN asks, how will this new path impact project finance in the Gulf going forward?

In October 2015 a group of industry-leading experts gathered together at the DIFC in Dubai to conduct a high-level discussion on the current market for project finance in the region and the outlook for future activity. With a broad range of perspectives including regulators, practitioners, lawyers and issuers, the debate sought to uncover the key trends and developments in the local, regional and global market: identifying the major challenges and opportunities for the industry to develop and discussing how Dubai itself can support that growth in its bid to become a central hub for the Islamic economy.

Islamic Finance news was delighted to bring together the comprehensive knowledge and experience of leading industry experts to achieve a rewarding and challenging panel debate.

Shibeer Ahmed  Partner, White & Case

Mike Rainey   Partner, King & Spalding

Leroy Levy Partner,   King & Spalding

Ali Sheikh  Director & Head of Corporate & Structured Finance, ACWA Holding

Jeremy Crane  Board Member, Clean Energy Business Council

Basheer Ahmed  Senior Manager, Markets,  DFSA