Press Release

Opera Gallery presents new regional art talent from Kuwait

‘New Talents from Kuwait’ exhibition, supported by DIFC Lifestyle Group, showcases
works of eight Kuwaiti art students for the first time

Dubai, June 30, 2009 – Opera Gallery Dubai today introduced the “New Talents in Kuwait”
exhibition, which showcases the works of eight Kuwaiti student artists from the American
University of Kuwait. The debut exhibition, supported by DIFC Lifestyle Group, is also their
first collective exhibition outside of Kuwait.

Abdulla Hamad Bin Sougat, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Lifestyle Group, welcomed the
latest exhibition at Opera Gallery. “We are pleased to support the “New Talents from Kuwait’
exhibition, which signifies DIFC’s growing role in promoting regional talent.

“We are committed to developing the DIFC into a regional and international centre to
showcase art and cultural exhibitions; the young artists will have the opportunity to present
their work to a broad audience of art enthusiasts and professionals that make up the DIFC
community,” added Bin Sougat.

“Opera Gallery is delighted to launch these young artists in the international art scene,”
commented Bertrand Epaud, General Manager of Opera Gallery Dubai. “Opera Gallery has
always had a commitment to bring new talent to the public attention, and to introduce great
artists and artwork to Dubai and to the rest of the world. Now we have the exciting
opportunity to do so with young regional talent, and this is something new for the Gallery.”

The young Kuwaiti talent is the find of Dominique Malardé and William Andersen, professors
of art at the American University of Kuwait. The duo selected the best artworks from the top
eight of their art students for the exhibition at Opera Gallery Dubai. The young artists and
their professors were present for the opening of the exhibition to discuss the artworks. The
exhibition is an opportunity for the artists to gain regional exposure.

‘New Talents from Kuwait’ exhibition is on from June 27th until July 11th at the Opera Gallery in
DIFC Gate Village and is open for public viewing from Sunday to Thursday from 10am to
8pm, and on Saturday from 12 noon to 8pm. The exhibition will be closed on Fridays.

Ends/-
About DIFC
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is an onshore hub for global finance. It bridges the time gap
between the financial centres of Hong Kong and London and services a region with the largest untapped
emerging market for financial services. In just four years, over 800 firms have registered at DIFC. They operate
in an open environment complemented with world-class regulations and standards. DIFC offers its member
institutions incentives such as 100 per cent foreign ownership, zero tax on income and profits and no restrictions
on foreign exchange. In addition their business benefits from modern infrastructure, operational support and
business continuity facilities of uncompromisingly high standards.

DIFC Lifestyle Group

The DIFC Lifestyle Group, a division of DIFC Investments, the investment arm of the Dubai International
Financial Centre (DIFC), designs, leases and manages premium retail developments that offer distinctive
lifestyle experiences. The Group has created a high-end lifestyle sanctuary within the DIFC financial district for
people who seek the finer things in life. Customers can experience an impeccable blend of luxury retail and
fashion, premium F&B, fine art and culture. All this, combined with the financial district's iconic architectural
setting, has made DIFC home to one of the region's most luxurious retail environments. Art and cultural
offerings enrich the lifestyle experience offered within DIFC. Galleries established under the umbrella of the
DIFC Lifestyle Group showcase an eclectic mix of contemporary art from across the world, with a special
emphasis on the region between North Africa and India. The DIFC Lifestyle Group’s offering marries the style
and exclusivity of a premium retail destination with the vibrancy and verve of a global financial business
community. Retailers and art galleries establishing in DIFC have access to a captive market of high-income
financial professionals, among whose ranks are several ultra-high-net-worth individuals. In 2008, the DIFC
Lifestyle group acquired a majority stake in Villa Moda, a unique multi-brand luxury fashion store. Villa Moda
has implemented a unique retail concept in the Gate Village in DIFC, which features boutiques of global fashion
brands like Marni, Dries Van Noten, Vivienne Westwood, Nina Ricci, Issey Miyake and Tsumori Chisato.

Media enquiries:

Shaima Al Zarouni
Assistant PR Manager
Dubai International Financial Centre
Tel: +971 4 362 2432
E-mail: shaima.alzarouni@difc.ae

Iman Ahmad
Regional Media Relations Manager
Dubai International Financial Centre
Tel: +971 50 2058021
E-mail: iman.ahmad@difc.ae

Nova Ghadri
Media Executive
Dubai International Financial Centre
Tel: +971 4 362 2499
E-mail: nova.ghadri@difc.ae