Dubai:Al Masraf (Arab Bank for Investment and Foreign Trade), in partnership with the UAE Banks Federation (UBF), is set to organize the first conference dedicated to the role of financial institutions in implementing the UAE Islamic Finance and Halal Industry Strategy 2025-2031. The event will take place on Wednesday, 30th September, in Dubai.
According to Emirates News Agency, the conference, themed 'From Legislation to Growth and Innovation', will be inaugurated by Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat. It will feature Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al Masraf, along with other officials, decision-makers, and experts in banking, regulation, Sharia, and finance.
The primary objective of the conference is to enhance the UAE's status as a leading global hub for Islamic finance and the halal industry. It will focus on the role of financial institutions in fostering innovative financing and investment solutions that promote growth, sustainability, and competitiveness.
The conference will gather regulators, financial institutions, Sharia and finance experts, and private-sector representatives to explore priorities in executing the strategy and advancing the integration of Islamic finance with the halal industry. The UAE Islamic Finance and Halal Industry Strategy 2025-2031 aims to bolster the competitiveness of Islamic finance, encourage innovation and sustainability, and expand public-private partnerships.
The strategy targets AED2.56 trillion in local Islamic finance assets by 2031, building on the AED1.4 trillion Islamic banking assets recorded in June 2026. The UAE ranks third globally in the 2025 Islamic Finance Development Indicator.
Fuad Mohamed, CEO of Al Masraf, stated that the strategy offers a significant opportunity for reinforcing the financial sector's role in supporting the real economy and exploring new growth and investment avenues. The conference aims to transition from discussing opportunities to developing concrete solutions and partnerships to achieve the strategy's goals.
Jamal Saleh, Director-General of UBF, noted that the UAE banking sector possesses the expertise and institutional capabilities to advance the strategy through Sharia-compliant financing solutions, expanding sukuk markets, investing in innovation, and financing sectors associated with the halal economy.
The conference will include four main sessions addressing the strategic and legislative framework for Islamic finance and the halal industry, the implementation role of financial institutions, sukuk innovation and technology, as well as governance, risk management, and sustainable growth. Additional discussions will focus on financial technology, digital platforms, Sharia supervision, and financing for halal-related sectors. Enhanced cooperation among financial institutions, national entities, and the private sector will also be a key topic.
The conference aims to conclude with recommendations on financing and investment instruments, sukuk and financial technology, supporting halal-industry sectors, and improving coordination among stakeholders.