Western Asset has opened a new office in Dubai, as the Firm continues to expand its global presence and develop on-the-ground local resources. The location will position Western Asset to better meet the needs of clients in the economically important Middle East, Africa and Central Asia regions. The office, which is focused on client service, augments Western Asset's global resources and provides significant local knowledge and expertise to the Firm. The regions' increasingly diversified and dynamic economies have increased investors' demand for a broader range of investment solutions. The opening of the Dubai office will facilitate more effective communication with clients to help them meet their investment objectives. Mr. Imad E. Abukhlal, who heads the Dubai office, has been named Senior Executive Officer and Head of Client Service & Marketing, Middle East and North Africa. Mr. Abukhlal, who has 16 years of industry experience, worked at Western Asset from 2000 to 2008 in the UK, where he was responsible for developing the Firm's relationships with existing and prospective clients across the Middle East. Previously, he served as Executive Director at Royal Capital and Portfolio Manager at Lyras Financial Services Ltd.