The Centre for Islamic Economics and Finance (CIEF) at the College of Islamic Studies (CIS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), in collaboration with the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC), successfully concluded the 8th International Conference on Islamic Finance (ICIF). The event was held over two days at Education City’s Minaretein and focused on the theme, “Islamic Finance in a Divided World.”
This year’s conference brought together a distinguished group of scholars, industry leaders, policymakers, and finance professionals to explore the evolving role of Islamic finance in the global business environment. Discussions centered on how Islamic finance can promote financial inclusion, economic stability, and sustainability in the face of increasing global fragmentation, regulatory divergence, and geopolitical challenges.
Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Recep Şentürk, Dean of CIS, and Dr. Prabhat Hajela, Provost of HBKU. Keynote addresses followed from His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin Khalid Al-Thani, Deputy Governor of Qatar Central Bank, and Mr. Yousuf Mohamed Al-Jaida, CEO and Board Member of QFC Authority. The program also featured leading voices in the field, including Dr. Mohamad Hammour, Chairman of Guidance Financial Group (USA); His Excellency Yousef Khalawi, Secretary General of the AlBaraka Forum (Saudi Arabia); and Dr. Tarik M. Yousef, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs (Qatar).
Over the course of eight interactive sessions, participants addressed key themes such as promoting resilience through Islamic financial principles, innovating regulatory and governance frameworks, and aligning financial practices with ethical and sustainability goals. A major focus was also placed on advancing digital transformation in Islamic finance and finding Shariah-compliant approaches to contemporary financial instruments.
One notable session titled “Geopolitics, Fragmentation, and the Islamic Financial System” explored how Islamic finance can maintain its foundational values and thrive in an increasingly polarized world. Another discussion, “Stability and Sustainability Through Islamic Finance Principles,” highlighted the importance of integrating Islamic financial mechanisms into the emerging digital financial ecosystem.
Commenting on the event, H.E. Sheikh Ahmed bin Khalid Al-Thani noted that studies conducted across 82 countries demonstrate that Islamic banking plays a significant role in reducing volatility and encouraging long-term economic growth, particularly in areas with limited access to conventional banking. He emphasized that instruments such as zakat, waqf, and microfinance are powerful tools for delivering financial services that align with local values and promote social welfare.
Mr. Yousuf Al-Jaida highlighted QFC’s long-standing partnership with HBKU and the importance of the ICIF platform. He stated that Islamic finance offers practical and ethical solutions to many of today’s economic, environmental, and social challenges. Rooted in shared risk, ethical conduct, and value-based investments, Islamic finance can help cushion financial shocks and support resilience during periods of market and geopolitical uncertainty.
Dr. Ahmet Faruk Aysan, Conference Chair and Associate Dean of Research at CIS, emphasized that the region continues to lead in Islamic finance, thanks to its cultural foundations and the growing demand for ethical financial instruments. He noted that Islamic finance is not just an alternative system but a viable and effective response to contemporary global challenges. He also reaffirmed that HBKU, through its partnership with QFC, will continue to promote innovative and sustainable financial solutions that make a positive impact.
This year’s conference is part of a broader strategic partnership formed in 2023 between CIS and QFC, aimed at supporting the growth of Islamic finance in Qatar. Under this agreement, QFC will co-host and sponsor the International Conference on Islamic Finance annually until 2027, helping to position Qatar as a global leader in this dynamic sector.
About Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)
Innovating Today, Shaping Tomorrow
Hamad Bin Khalifa University, a member of Qatar Foundation, is a forward-focused, innovation-driven university that develops multidisciplinary programs and conducts cutting-edge research to address national and global challenges. HBKU is committed to nurturing future leaders and creating transformative solutions that benefit society. For more information, visit www.hbku.edu.qa.
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About the College of Islamic Studies (CIS)
The College of Islamic Studies at HBKU is a hub for contemporary Islamic thought and interdisciplinary scholarship. Founded as a platform for meaningful dialogue and innovation, CIS combines deep Islamic knowledge with modern social sciences to offer educational programs and research that address pressing global issues. Learn more at https://www.hbku.edu.qa/en/cis