Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and S&P Global Ratings hosted the 15th Annual Islamic Finance Conference at the DIFC Atrium, spotlighting the sector’s resilience and strong performance in 2024.
The industry recorded a 10.6 percent growth, with total sukuk outstanding surpassing USD 1 trillion for the first time.
The conference brought together leading experts and policymakers to discuss the global outlook for Islamic finance, its evolving role in the GCC’s capital markets, and strategies to sustain growth amid global uncertainty.
Hadi Melki, Regional Head at S&P Global Ratings, said the sector continues to show resilience, driven by expanding banking assets and sukuk issuances. He noted that Islamic finance remains well positioned to maintain its momentum in 2025 as GCC nations advance large-scale economic transformation programs.
DIFC Chief Operating Officer Alya AlZarouni emphasized the centre’s commitment to fostering innovation in Shariah-compliant financial solutions. She said DIFC aims to create an environment that supports sustainable and inclusive growth, ensuring the Islamic finance industry is equipped to meet future market demands.
Key sessions included a panel on “Islamic Finance 2025–2026: Resilient Growth Amid Upcoming Headwinds,” featuring leaders from Arqaam Capital, HSBC, and DAMAC Properties. Other discussions covered trends in global and GCC fixed income markets, global credit conditions, and S&P Global Ratings’ cross-sector outlook for the region.
The event reaffirmed Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for Islamic finance and a driving force behind the industry’s continued expansion across the Middle East and beyond.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
