The Dubai Mercantile Exchange Limited (DME), a joint venture between Tatweer, a member of Dubai Holding, and the New York Mercantile Exchange Inc., (NYMEX), announced today that its Membership Committee has approved in principle 28 members to date, with more being processed as the DME prepares for launch on May 1, 2007.

Seventeen of the DME's members are Off-Floor Members and eleven are Clearing Members, the Exchange reported, with traders from North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia representing a truly global membership. Applications continue to be submitted from all regions but the DME has closed its oversubscribed Market Maker programme and is now working with those firms on connectivity to DME's electronic trading platform, DME Direct TM.

The DME also revealed that, due to the high level of interest, prices of the remaining Off-Floor Memberships will be increased after the launch. All potential applicants are now required to submit a completed application and application fee by April 20 to qualify for consideration for membership at the published rate.

CEO Gary King commented: "The success of our Market Maker programme and the high level of interest in membership are further demonstrations of the global market's growing support for the DME. With the recent successful testing of DME Direct™ and further regulatory approvals from international jurisdictions, we are ensuring that all elements are in place for a successful launch. We look forward to delivering outstanding service and excellent benefits to our members throughout the world."