Page 150 - SALIK PR REPORT MAY 2024

5/2/24, 12:17 PM DFM unveils initial private offerings platform ARENA
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ARENA is designed to catalyse growth opportunities for both companies and investors.

DFM ’s latest offering also allows venture capital firms to sell the shares of private
companies they own on the new platform.

“The platform combines the advantages and efficiency of direct listing with the DFM’s
diverse investor base and capabilities,” Hamed Ali, the CEO of DFM said, adding that

ARENA marks a pivotal moment in DFM’s commitment to provide issuers with a

transparent and streamlined avenue for capital raising.

Privately listed companies on ARENA will have the option of limiting investor’s access to

institutional investors, employees-only, or family and founding members, the bourse said in
a statement.

The bourse said it offers cost-effective access to an extensive network of investors and

fosters a collaborative approach with transparency for companies seeking to raise more

than $9.53m (Dh35m).

The new platform is a regulated alternative to conventional financing routes and helps

private companies access capital markets directly.

ARENA acts as a catalyst to enhance the funding ecosystem for growth companies, paving

the way for a more vibrant and inclusive investment ecosystem.

The platform will operate on technology provided by Nasdaq.

DFM attracts foreign investors

Meanwhile, initial public offerings (IPOs) on the Dubai exchange raised a record $9.4bn

(Dhs34.5bn) since 2021, as privatisations and monetisation initiatives, stock market rallies

and soaring energy prices are ensuring that investor demand for share sales in the emirate
remains high.

The bourse’s robust IPO momentum propelled the DFM General Index (DFMGI) to the fifth

position globally in 2023, attracting 230,000 new investors since 2022, according to the

state-run Dubai Media Office.

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