KUWAIT CITY, Apr 26: Boursa Kuwait successfully concluded two high-‎impact workshops on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in collaboration with the Middle ‎East Investor Relations Association (MEIRA), bringing together capital market ‎professionals, corporate leaders and investor relations (IR) practitioners for a day of ‎insightful discussions and practical training. ‎

The workshops provided IR practitioners with a valuable opportunity to deepen ‎their understanding of international best practices and the evolving impact of ‎global trends on the investor relations landscape. The event also formed part of ‎Boursa Kuwait’s ongoing commitment to raising awareness of the critical role that ‎the IR function plays in supporting listed companies and enhancing market ‎transparency.‎

Commenting on the success of the event, Boursa Kuwait Director of Investor ‎Relations Mr. Fahad Al-Besher said, “These workshops reflect our ongoing ‎commitment to empower listed companies with the tools and knowledge to ‎advance investor relations capabilities within the Kuwaiti capital market and build ‎a more transparent and accessible investment environment. By connecting global ‎perspectives with local relevance, we are equipping market participants with the ‎tools to foster investor confidence and drive sustainable market growth. I would like ‎to sincerely thank our partners at MEIRA, our speakers and all attendees for their ‎ongoing dedication to advancing investor relations in the region.”‎

The first session, titled “From Global Trends to Local Impact – Understanding ‎Macro Sentiment from the World to Kuwait,” was led by Jaap Mejer, Head of Sell-‎side Research at Arqaam Capital and offered a comprehensive analysis of global ‎macroeconomic trends and their ripple effects across the GCC, with a particular ‎focus on Kuwait. Topics included interest rate trajectories, capital flows, regional ‎fiscal sustainability and Kuwait’s evolving regulatory and institutional landscape.‎

‎“Our session offered a timely overview of how macroeconomic dynamics—ranging ‎from shifting monetary policies to geopolitical risk—are shaping investor sentiment ‎and influencing capital flows across the GCC. By connecting these global trends ‎to Kuwait’s economic and regulatory context, we aimed to equip stakeholders with ‎actionable insights to navigate today’s complex market environment. I’d like to ‎thank Boursa Kuwait for the opportunity to share these perspectives and for their ‎continued leadership in advancing financial literacy and transparency,” stated Mr. ‎Mejer.‎

Meanwhile, the second session, “How to Best Target and Engage with Investors,” ‎was given by Mr. Sam Ryan Siahpolo, Partner at Instinctif Partners, who shared ‎practical strategies for identifying, engaging, and retaining diverse investor types. ‎Participants gained valuable insights into building targeted engagement plans, ‎aligning corporate messaging with investor expectations, and leveraging ‎disclosure and ESG commitments to broaden their shareholder base.‎

Speaking at the event, Mr. Siahpolosaid, “Engaging with Kuwait’s capital market ‎professionals on how to refine investor targeting and deepen engagement ‎strategies was a rewarding experience. As IR continues to evolve in both scope ‎and complexity, companies must adapt their approaches to align with the ‎expectations of a global investor base. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to ‎Boursa Kuwait for hosting this initiative and for their commitment to strengthening ‎IR capabilities in the region.”‎

‎“Today’s sessions highlighted the importance of continuous learning in an ever-‎evolving market landscape. Our long-standing strategic partnership with Boursa ‎Kuwait reflects a shared commitment to advancing the IR function in Kuwait and ‎across the region. At MEIRA, we believe our success is built on the dedication of ‎our members and the expertise of our partners. I would like to thank the bourse for ‎its unwavering support and its efforts to equip market participants with the tools ‎and insights needed to thrive in today’s dynamic financial environment,” said ‎MEIRA CEO Paolo Casamassima. ‎

Mr. Mohammad Abdal, Chairman of the Kuwait chapter of the Middle East ‎Investor Relations Association spoke about the rapidly evolving IR field, saying: ‎‎“Investor relations is becoming a core pillar of effective corporate strategy and ‎capital market development. In Kuwait, advancing IR standards is essential to ‎building investor trust, promoting transparency and enhancing the global ‎competitiveness of our market. The Middle East Investor Relations Association and ‎its Kuwait chapter are proud to support initiatives that equip listed companies with ‎the skills and knowledge needed to engage more meaningfully with investors and ‎adapt to evolving stakeholder expectations.”‎

Organizing enlightening workshops and other educational initiatives form an ‎integral part of Boursa Kuwait’s Corporate Sustainability strategy, which aims to ‎create a lasting and meaningful impact on the communities where it operates. ‎These programs also reinforce the exchange’s unwavering commitment and ‎continuous efforts to equip all market participants with an in-depth understanding ‎of the functioning of capital markets and various tools and techniques required to ‎make informed investment decisions and effectively meet investors’ needs. It also ‎aligns with Goal 4 – Quality Education – and Goal 17 – Partnership for the Goals – of ‎the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.‎