Dubai to Host 14th Annual Islamic Finance Conference at DIFC

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and S&P Global Ratings will jointly host the 14th Annual Islamic Finance Conference at the DIFC Atrium on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

The event will explore the growth outlook and challenges for the Islamic finance industry, which is forecasted to expand by high single digits in 2024-2025, following an 8% rise in 2023.

This year’s conference will cover key topics, including growth opportunities, sustainable sukuk, and an analysis of GCC sovereign, corporate, and financial institutions’ credit ratings. Industry leaders and senior S&P Global Ratings analysts will be present, offering their expertise on the evolving Islamic finance landscape.

Hadi Melki, Regional Head at S&P Global Ratings, emphasized the conference's role as a strategic forum for discussing the $3 trillion industry.

“We are delighted to once again host an event that brings immense value to the Islamic finance sector,”

Melki said, acknowledging DIFC’s contribution to the sector’s advancement.

DIFC’s Chief Operating Officer, Alya AlZarouni, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of Islamic finance in the UAE's economic diversification.

“The outlook is favorable for DIFC-based Islamic finance organizations and exchanges listing Sukuks,”

AlZarouni noted.

The conference will open with remarks from leaders at S&P and DIFC, followed by a panel on industry growth drivers, disruptions from Standard 62, and sukuk structures’ impact on creditworthiness. The final session will present S&P’s GCC cross-sector outlook, focusing on geopolitical risks affecting sovereigns, corporates, and financial institutions. Attendees will have opportunities to engage with experts throughout the sessions.

News Source: Emirates News Agency