DUBAI, Nov. 18th, 2oo8: Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has received the chairman of Citigroup Inc. Sir Winfried Franz Wilhen "Win" Bischoff.

During the meeting which reviewed the current global financial and economic situation and efforts to curb repercussions, Bischoff said international investors and financial institutions have great confidence in the UAE financial markets and system.

This confidence, he remarked, is the defence line which protects markets and attracts new investors.

Meanwhile, three newly-appointed judges at The Dubai International Financial Centre Courts ("DIFC Courts") were sworn in before Sheikh Mohammed in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai. The three judges are Ali Al Madhani, Omar Al Muhairi and David A R Williams.

At the ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed hailed the role played by DIFC Courts in international commercial arbitration as well as in providing an ideal environment for international companies seeking a fair judicial system for highly-qualified arbitration in financial and legal disputes.

Present at the meeting and the swearing-in ceremony were H. H Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, H. H Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, H. H Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Lt. General Musabbah Rashid Al Fattan, Director of Sheikh Mohammed's Office, Dr Omar Bin Sulaiman is the Governor of DIFC and Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, Director-General of the Dubai Protocol and Guest House Department. (WAM/MMYS)