The Nasdaq Dubai is preparing to open a potential new market for listings of small and medium-sized businesses based in the Middle East and beyond, it said.

The Nasdaq Dubai, an exchange regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority and majorityowned by the Dubai Financial

Market, has formed an advisory group to make the preparations, it said in an emailed statement. The advisory group has already discussed ideas for regulation and attracting issuers for IPOs and other listings, it said.