Third Global Islamic Economy Summit will be held in October in Dubai

The Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre and Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, announced the organisation of the third Global Islamic Economy Summit (GIES) to be held at Madinat Jumeirah on October 11 and 12, 2016 with Thomson Reuters as Strategic Partner.

Themed “Inspiring Change”, this year’s event will include six plenary sessions covering, on the one hand, broad topics such as the global dynamics shaping the Islamic economy, as well as, on the other hand, more specific subjects such as Islamic finance and sukuk. In addition to that, the summit will host parallel sessions discussing Islamic economic sectors from halal products and modest fashion to family tourism and Islamic art. The GIES 2016 schedule also includes networking breaks, debates, inspirational speeches, gala dinners and the now-annual Innovation 4 Change Competition.

Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the summit aims to provide an integrated platform for decision makers and specialists to discuss key issues and major trends in Islamic economy, underlining the potential contributions that the Islamic economy can make to improve people’s lives and to achieve sustainable development. 

The inaugural Global Islamic Economy Summit was held in 2013 and introduced to the world the idea of an integrated global Islamic economy. Building on the success and momentum of the first event, 

the second summit took place in 2015 and went beyond the surface explaining what the Islamic economy is all about while exploring its benefits to all.

H.E. Majid Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman, Dubai Chamber and Board Member of the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre, said: “As the Islamic economy continues to grow at a rapid pace and prove itself as a viable solution to the stagnation that is plaguing global markets, the Global Islamic Economy Summit becomes all the more important as a platform for the major stakeholders in the fields to come together and share knowledge and ideas on how to drive the sector forward and, through it, achieve sustainable economic growth.”

For his part, Abdullah Mohammed Al Awar, CEO of Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre, pointed out that the third edition of the Global Islamic Economy Summit will examine some of the primary goals and values of Islamic economy – namely, social development and sustainability. 

Al Awar said: “We expect fruitful discussions on important issues such as socio-economic progress and stability that will set the stage for the future development of the Islamic economy. In its first two editions, GIES helped draw up a road map for the growth of the Islamic economy and it is heartening to share that we are well on track to strengthening the culture of Islamic economy globally. An integrated Islamic economy will help forge international partnerships to better meet people’s aspirations for social and financial security and overall progress.” 

Nadim Najjar, Managing Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Thomson Reuters, said: “We are very proud to be one of the key players promoting the great value of Islamic economy along with our strategic government partners. For the past three years, GIES has significantly contributed to change the whole perception of the industry. We believe that growing awareness about the Islamic economy will open vast prospects for investors and companies outside of the Muslim world to participate and support these growing industries.”