11th Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA) and Awards

June 10, 2019

What is MEIRA?

The Middle East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA) is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the Investor Relations (IR) profession and international standards in corporate governance. The mission of MEIRA is to enhance the reputation, efficiency, and attractiveness of the Middle East capital markets.

MEIRA’s role in UAE capital markets

MEIRA partners with stock exchanges, regulators and other market participants across the region. The organization supports companies through professional development and certification programmes as well as its membership community and network of country chapters including active chapters in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Why MEIRA matters for Dubai businesses

For listed companies

Companies listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) or Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) benefit from MEIRA’s investor relations best practices and training programmes. Strong investor relations help maintain share price stability and attract institutional investors.

For companies planning IPOs

Businesses in Dubai planning to go public need to understand investor relations standards before listing. MEIRA provides the framework and best practices that UAE regulators and investors expect from publicly traded companies.

For attracting capital

Even private companies seeking to raise capital from institutional investors or venture capital firms benefit from understanding MEIRA’s transparency and communication standards. Professional investor relations improve credibility with potential investors.

MEIRA annual conference

The MEIRA Annual Conference and Awards is the largest investor relations event in the MENA region. The conference provides a platform for dialogue among IR professionals, listed companies, investors, research analysts, advisors, and regulatory representatives.

The 2025 conference was held in Muscat, Oman on September 24-25, 2025, bringing together over 1,200 participants from 55 countries.

MEIRA awards

The MEIRA IR Awards recognize companies and individuals who demonstrate excellence in investor relations practices. Awards are presented in categories including:

• Best investor relations by CEO
• Best investor relations by CFO
• Leading corporate for investor relations
• Excellence in ESG reporting
• Best digital investor relations

Winners are selected based on criteria such as transparency, disclosure, communication effectiveness, and responsiveness to investor inquiries.

MEIRA chapters in the UAE

Dubai chapter

MEIRA operates an active Dubai chapter that organizes regular meetings and events for IR professionals based in Dubai. These gatherings provide networking opportunities and knowledge sharing among listed companies and service providers.

Abu Dhabi chapter

The Abu Dhabi chapter serves companies listed on ADX and other Abu Dhabi-based organizations. Regular chapter meetings discuss market developments and IR best practices relevant to the UAE capital.

How to benefit from MEIRA

Membership

Companies and individuals can join MEIRA to access professional development resources, networking events, and industry insights. Membership provides access to training programmes and the annual conference.

Professional certification

MEIRA offers certification programmes for investor relations officers, helping professionals develop the skills needed to effectively communicate with investors and manage stakeholder relations.

Best practice resources

MEIRA publishes guidelines, research reports, and best practice recommendations that help companies improve their investor communications and corporate governance standards.

Relevance for business setup in Dubai

For startups planning growth

Startups setting up in Dubai should be aware of MEIRA standards if they plan to eventually seek public listing or institutional investment. Understanding investor relations early helps prepare for future growth stages.

For free zone companies

Some UAE free zones facilitate IPO pathways for growing companies. Familiarity with MEIRA’s investor relations framework helps free zone businesses prepare for potential public market access.

For corporate governance

MEIRA’s emphasis on transparency and corporate governance aligns with UAE regulatory requirements. Companies setting up in Dubai benefit from adopting these international standards from the start.

Closing

While the 11th MEIRA Awards in 2019 celebrated excellence in investor relations, MEIRA continues to play an important role in developing capital markets across the Middle East. For businesses setting up in Dubai, understanding MEIRA’s standards becomes relevant when planning to list on UAE exchanges, raise institutional capital, or establish strong corporate governance practices that meet international investor expectations.