Islamic fashion sector expenditure reached $230 billion in 2014

Key Islamic art and fashion projections and market development to be featured in GIES 2015

Islamic fashion expenditure expected to reach $327 billion by 2020

Prominent players in Islamic art and fashion industries to speak at GIES 2015

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, 02 September 2015: Islamic art and fashion are quickly becoming burgeoning industries within the diverse landscape of the Islamic economy, and are dominating a key market share in the global lifestyle sector. In 2014, Islamic, or modest, fashion sector expenditure reached $230 billion, constituting 11% of the global fashion market. It is projected to grow a further 6% to reach $327 billion by 2020, according to the upcoming State of the Global Islamic Economy (SGIE) report, to be published in conjunction with the Global Islamic Economy Summit (GIES) taking place in Dubai this October.

The 2015 summit, organized by 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 at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE.

Art and culture are important components of the Islamic economy, and while Islamic art has always been a mainstay of museums around the world, it has increasingly gained importance as a collectable investment. Initiatives across the GCC region, and especially in Qatar and the UAE, have turned a spotlight onto Islamic art that retains a focus on traditional religious works, while also introducing audiences to more contemporary offerings. As part of the drive within the GCC to create a more vibrant cultural profile, innovative spaces such the Mathaf in Qatar and the Guggenheim and Louvre in Abu Dhabi, as well as contemporary galleries in Dubai, are all encouraging investment in Islamic art and helping it go mainstream.

Islamic fashion is another fast-growing market and an integral pillar of the Islamic economy. Contrary to the rest of the fashion industry, which is facing financial pressures as a result of global recession, it continues to expand. Initially catering to the inherent modesty of the Muslim world, Islamic fashion is generating demand from other regions and cultures where modesty is a priority, as well as attracting attention from major mainstream fashion players.

A representative from Sefamerve, a leading modest fashion retailer, said: "While global brands that focus on modest fashion have been catering to Muslim sensibilities for years, they must also keep in mind a fast-growing conservative customer base that is also interested in modest fashion. These two complementary groups can help elevate these brands into key players in the fashion industry."

Paolo Costanzo, Chairman of Infinita Group, said" Being part of the of the Global Islamic Economy Summit gives us the opportunity to enter the modest fashion market, a sector we believe has great potential, and one we are confident that we can support globally through our network of key players in the Italian fashion market.'

Kerim Türe, Founder and CEO of Modanisa.com, ranked the top Islamic fashion site globally, said: "Social media and the Internet are the driving factors behind the transition of Islamic fashion into the global mainstream. Women worldwide are looking for the latest trends in elegant and conservative style, in line with Islamic culture. Serving them through a one-stop shop that provides variety, quality, and excellent service is the key to success in this rapidly developing modest fashion market."

Islamic fashion was also at the centre of the Turin Modest Fashion Round table, organized this past July by the Turin municipality, Thomson Reuters and the Dubai Chamber. Both entrepreneurs and more established fashion houses are servicing this niche market, which draws on influences from Asian, Arab and African cultures.

Alia Khan, Chairwoman of the Islamic Fashion and Design Council, said "People are intrigued by the Islamic fashion industry, and rightly so; there is much more to it than meets the eye. It has tremendous potential to lead and can set a wonderful example for the mainstream fashion industry, offering powerful solutions that will revolutionize fashion - while maintaining its dignity, elegance, and class."

Islamic art and fashion will both feature in the Global Islamic Economy Summit with dedicated sessions on the second day to foster discussion around these pillars of the Islamic economy. Ms. Khan will chair a moderated panel on modest fashion, with panellists including prominent players in the fashion industry from Turkey, Indonesia Kuwait and the UK. The session on Islamic art will be chaired by Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, Founder of Barjeel Art and will include panellists from Christies, the Jameel Foundation, Qatar Museums and Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

GIES 2015 is taking place under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Featuring more than 60 international speakers across 15 sessions, the summit will offer comprehensive insights on the 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. To register, visit 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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Tarek S. Fleihan
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Thomson Reuters                                                             
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© Press Release 2015