UAE's DIEDC announces record progress across 75 percent of initiatives in H1, 2017

ISLAMIC FINANCE UAE

DUBAI, 31st May, 2017 (WAM) -- Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre, DIEDC, has announced that the centre has made remarkable progress in three strategic sectors of the Islamic economy: Islamic finance, Halal trade and industry, and Islamic lifestyle.

He noted that among the objectives of DIEDCs updated strategy for 2017-2021, are consolidating Dubais status as the global capital of Islamic economy through boosting the sectors contribution to the gross domestic product ,GDP, increasing the share of Halal products in the countrys trade, and collaborating with international markets to grow the Islamic economy system worldwide.

The minister made his remarks while chairing DIEDCs board meeting on Tuesday at its headquarters at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Drawing the attendance of all DIEDCs board members, the meeting focused on reviewing the progress of the strategy in Q1 and Q2, 2017.

Al Mansouri said, "The 'Dubai: Capital of Islamic Economy' strategy gains momentum from the initiatives adopted by Dubai and the UAE in many vital sectors including industry, energy, sustainable development, and science. I have the utmost appreciation for the efforts of DIEDCs partners for their efforts in executing the milestones of the initiatives within set deadlines."He added, "I commend our partners on their contributions that helped us make significant headway across more than 75 percent of our initiatives within such a short time span. I am also delighted at the progress we have collectively achieved in promoting the culture of Islamic economy with the aim of attracting consumers and investors to its sectors."Al Mansouri noted,"Dubai and the UAE are instrumental in raising awareness about the culture of Islamic economy worldwide and boosting global interest in adopting its principles. The Islamic economy strategy adopted by Dubai and the wider UAE is truly unique in its ability to foresee economic changes, offer secure investment options, and utilise bonds to finance major projects across the globe."As part of the agenda, Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, CEO of DIEDC, presented a comprehensive review of the milestones achieved during the past six months and the efforts made to overcome challenges. In addition, board members discussed new initiatives, such as exploring the possibility of establishing a national retakaful company, as well as setting up a central Sharia advisory entity to streamline the provision of Sharia review services to Islamic financial institutions in the UAE.

Board members examined ways of leveraging the strong presence of local companies and institutions at global events to advance international synergies in Islamic economy sectors and boost the countrys global competitiveness in foreign investments, infrastructure and legislative systems. They concurred that the UAE, in line with the UAE Vision 2021 and the Dubai Industrial Strategy 2030, is now ideally positioned to spearhead the development of the global Islamic economy, positively influence global investment trends, and forge long-term partnerships with emerging markets in Africa, Asia, and the Balkans.

The board members agreed on the urgent need to increase spending on research in the field of Islamic sciences and culture in a bid to support the countrys plans to develop a post-oil economy based on knowledge, innovation, and science. They also highlighted the vital role of digital Islamic economy in boosting entrepreneurship through the opportunities it provides to Small and Medium Enterprises, SMEs, in e-commerce and digital product innovation that cater to Muslim and non-Muslim consumers worldwide.

The participants reviewed efforts to collaborate with academic institutions in providing educational programmes focused on Islamic economy.

The board members stressed the importance of jurisprudence and legislation in developing Islamic finance and investment mechanisms that align with local and international ambitions to achieve sustainable financial stability and balanced wealth distribution. They also agreed on continuing efforts to achieve an international consensus on halal industry standards to help the sector reach its full potential and meet the global health and safety requirements.

The meeting also discussed ways of enhancing the UAEs global position in charity and humanitarian work, developing the endowment segment, and reinforcing the role of takaful insurance to achieve the ultimate objectives of Islamic economy, the social justice and universal well-being.