Agenda unveiled for Global Islamic Economy Summit 2015

More than 60 speakers at 15 sessions, covering all seven pillars of the Islamic economy at GIES 2015, on 5-6 October at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai

Focus on innovation in light of evolving growth and success of the Islamic economy, through inaugural competition seeking to incubate entrepreneurs in Islamic digital economy

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, August 19, 2015 - Following on from its inaugural edition in 2013, the 2015 Global Islamic Economy Summit (GIES), organized by the Dubai Chamber, the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre (DIEDC), and Thomson Reuters, is set to gather over 2,000 policymakers, thinkers and business leaders on 5 and 6 October, 2015 to build a roadmap capitalizing on the opportunities within the growing global Islamic economy.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the summit will feature more than 60 international speakers across 15 sessions, offering comprehensive insights on seven core "pillars" within the Islamic economy: Islamic Finance, Halal Industry, Family Tourism, Islamic Knowledge, Islamic Arts and Design, Islamic Digital Economy, and Islamic Standards.

The insights shared during the first edition of the summit in 2013, recognizing the potential of the Islamic economy to drive global growth for years to come, and the key findings of GIES roundtables held last year have contributed positively in the build up to this year's summit. GIES 2015 aims to take forward the ideas brought to table in the last two years, supported by sound statistics emerging from Thomson Reuters' research reports, and launch innovative initiatives that address gaps in the needs of consumers of Islamic products and services around the world.

Amongst other highlights, winners of the ongoing Innovation 4 Impact competition - organized in partnership with Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority - will be announced at the summit, whose business propositions will serve to enhance the digital technology landscape for a Muslim audience. The competition, unlike any other platform available in the Middle East, will effectively serve as an incubator for SMEs across the world that aim to serve the Islamic economy with their innovations. The incubation services that will be awarded to the winner of the competition, worth over $10,000, will support them in establishing a presence in Dubai and bringing their idea to fruition.

Islamic Art and Fashion, a niche industry witnessing growing popularity outside of the Middle East region as well, will be highlighted through an exhibition at the venue.

Moreover, and as in the past edition of the summit and last year's roundtables, the Islamic Economy Awards will recognize initiatives and ideas pertaining to eight key categories that have served to enhance bilateral trade and investment relations between Islamic nations. Additionally, the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' will be given to a business leader for outstanding contributions to the Islamic Economy. The awards will be under the guidance of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.

H.E. Majid Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Chamber, said: "Dubai has played a central role in the growth story of the Global Islamic Economy and we are convening top business minds and enterprising young individuals to hear from them new ideas and insights that can positively shape the industry further."

Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, CEO of Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre, added: "The summit is designed to give a full picture of the Islamic Economy with a focus on the breadth of sectors underpinning the phenomenal growth and highlight the impact of trends that we all contribute towards in our everyday lives."

Nadim Najjar, Managing Director of Thomson Reuters, Middle East and North Africa, commented: "We have assembled two days of programming for delegates attending GIES 2015 which will explore how the Islamic economy is having an increasing effect at the global level, and how it presents viable solutions well beyond the typical sectors of banking and finance."

Learn more about GIES 2015 here: www.giesummit.com/en/gie-summit/  

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About Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre
'Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre (DIEDC) was established in December 2013 to transform Dubai into the 'Capital of Islamic Economy', as envisioned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, supervises the efforts of the DIEDC and its Board to bolster Dubai's bid to become a global hub for the Islamic Economy, encompassing a wide array of sectors through harnessing the projected US$6.7 trillion Islamic economy market.

DIEDC is equipped with the financial, administrative and legal tools to promote economic activities compatible with Islamic law in Dubai's goods and financial services sector, as well as the non-financial sector. In this capacity, it will conduct research and specialist studies to determine the contribution of sharia-compliant activities to the emirate's gross domestic product, and explore how to extend this contribution to boost the economy. DIEDC is also mandated to create new products and lines of service to law firms specializing in finance structuring.

About Dubai Chamber
Established in 1965, Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry is celebrating its milestone anniversary of 50 years empowering vision in Dubai's business community. A non-profit public entity, Dubai Chamber supports Dubai's vision as a global player by empowering businesses, providing innovative value added services and access to influential networks. Its mission is to represent, support and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai by creating a favourable business environment, supporting the development of business, and by promoting Dubai as an international business hub. For more information visit: www.dubaichamber.com

About Thomson Reuters
Thomson Reuters is the world's leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals. We combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial and risk, legal, tax and accounting, intellectual property and science and media markets, powered by the world's most trusted news organization. Thomson Reuters shares are listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges (symbol: TRI). For more information, go to www.thomsonreuters.com. 

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© Press Release 2015