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Day 1 of World Islamic Retail Banking Conference Convenes on Positive Outlook for Industry

Session on International Expansion of Regional

Islamic Banks Addressed Current Trends & Overall Markets Trajectory

Dubai: 12 October, 2009 - International banking and financial leaders have gathered in Dubai to kick-start much needed discussions on where the international Islamic banking sector stands today, in the midst of the slowly fading worldwide crisis.

The World Islamic Retail Banking Conference tackled today the structural challenges of the industry and untapped opportunities, which if prudently addressed, could help in the revitalization and further shaping of the industry on a new international level.

Session Four on the conference's first day, which was moderated by Hussain Al Qemzi, Group CEO at Noor Investment Group , following his key note speech, stood out with its particular focus on where Sharia'a compliant retail banks stand today.

The panel, which consisted of authoritative speakers from Doha Bank Group, HSBC Amanah, Bank of Whittier, Ajman Bank, Islamic Bank of Britain PLC, Bahrain Islamic Bank BSC, Islamic Finance Council of UK and Ernst & Young UK, tackled the current trajectory of the international Islamic banks' strategies in the global expansion game. There was also a particular focus on the international markets with immediate need for the Islamic banking model, to fill the gap in their financial systems, as well as new expansion platforms triggered, as a result of the global financial crisis.

The panel also examined the various untapped opportunities across European markets- while referring to specific countries that would make 'sensible hubs' for International Islamic Banking.

Following his focused discussions with the panel, Hussain Al Qemzi, Group CEO at Noor Investment Group said, "We have had a very productive first day. It brought together the people who are analyzing financial stability and financial stability risks at various Islamic and conventional banks, central banks, treasuries, and other institutions from around the world, with the people who are in charge of developing expansion tactics and who are gearing up for venturing into new territories, within the context of the Sharia'a boundaries.

"I am confident that these insightful and fruitful sessions will provide a much needed extended platform for researchers, opinion leaders and the banking and finance sector fraternity, to debate on issues and challenges facing the industry, especially in light of the current international consolidation trends. This exceptional gathering of representatives from both the Islamic banking and the conventional banking sides is testament to a strong symbiosis, especially during hard times like these, and will prove an integral component for the good of the world's financial systems".

The conference which is endorsed by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, ISRA (International Sharia'a Research Academy) and supported by the Islamic Finance Council, UK, the Swiss Islamic Banking & Finance Association, the Bahrain Association of Banks and Arab News of Saudi Arabia. Over two hundred delegates, including CEOs and Heads of Islamic and Conventional Retail Banking are taking advantage of this well regarded conference over the three days.

Noor Islamic Bank is a Platinum Sponsor at this year's World Islamic Retail Banking Conference.

To read Hussain Al Qemzi's keynote speech, please refer to the attachment.

-Ends-

About Noor Islamic Bank
Established in 2007 in Dubai, a full service bank, Noor Islamic Bank delivers the broadest range of products for its customers, with an emphasis on unique and personalized services. Noor Islamic Bank's products and services are governed by a Sharia'a Board, comprising leading Islamic scholars with extensive experience and expertise in legal, financial and banking-related matters. Noor Islamic Bank has 16 locations across the UAE in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and an overseas representative office in Tunis. For further details, please visit: www.noorbank.com or call 800NOOR(6667).

For media enquiries, please contact:
Mohamed Tahboub
Jiwin Public Relations, Finance Practice
Mob: +97150 157 6868
Email: mohamed.tahboub@jiwin.ae

Ms. Fatma Al-Khaja
Noor Islamic Bank
Corporate Communications
Email: fatma.alkhaja@noorbank.com

© Press Release 2009