Dubai, 14th April March, More than 300 industry leaders will today gather at the 4th Annual World Takaful Conference (WTC 2009) to debate the core issues that will shape the future of the global Takaful industry. Held in strategic partnership with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), this two-day gathering of market leaders at the Dusit Thani Hotel Dubai provides a key opportunity for the Takaful industry to discuss the opportunities and challenges that a changing economic landscape presents.

The 4th Annual World Takaful Conference 2009 is a timely opportunity for industry leaders to assess recent developments in the global Takaful landscape, especially the impact of the turmoil in global financial markets on the industry.  WTC 2009 also provides a forum for discussions on laying the foundations for revitalised growth in the global Takaful markets.

Nasser Al Shaali, CEO of the DIFC Authority said: "As Islamic Finance enters a new phase of development, Takaful is one of the sectors within the industry that holds considerable potential for growth. Over the last few years, Takaful has grown in profile as an alternative to conventional insurance and transformed itself from a regional to a global industry. DIFC's regulatory environment and business-enabling infrastructure makes it one of the best platforms in the world for Takaful service providers to tap new opportunities and grow their business. Our support for the 4th Annual World Takaful Conference is part of our commitment to support the rapid growth of the Takaful industry."   

Paul M Koster, Chief Executive of Dubai Financial Services Authority will deliver the opening remarks.  The opening keynote session features perspectives from Lord Mohamed Sheikh; Dr. Saleh J. Malaikah, Vice Chairman and CEO of SALAMA Islamic Arab Insurance Company (P.S.C); Dr. Ahmed Al Janahi, Managing Director, Noor Takaful and Deputy Group CEO, Noor Investment Group; Jonathan Wilton, Chief Executive Officer, ACR ReTakaful MEA; and Gul Khan, Global Head of Wealth Management, of HSBC Amanah.

The high-profile speakers at the 4th Annual World Takaful Conference will also discuss the challenges facing the global ReTakaful industry, the Shari'ah framework for Takaful, as well as the opportunities for product innovation. 

WTC 2009 will also feature the launch of the 2009 Ernst & Young World Takaful Report, an original research project, which will feature in-depth coverage and analysis of the Takaful industry in the Middle East and Asia, as well as in emerging Takaful markets such as Europe and North America.  

The World Islamic Insurance Directory - a reference guide to Islamic Insurance institutions - will also be launched at the event.

More than 300 industry leaders are attending the 4th Annual World Takaful Conference, to be held on the 14th & 15th of April 2009 in Dubai.

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About DIFC
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is an onshore hub for global finance. It bridges the time gap between the financial centres of Hong Kong and London and services a region with the largest untapped emerging market for financial services. In just four years, over 750 firms have registered at DIFC. They operate in an open environment complemented with world-class regulations and standards. DIFC offers its member institutions incentives such as 100 per cent foreign ownership, zero tax on income and profits and no restrictions on foreign exchange. In addition their business benefits from modern infrastructure, operational support and business continuity facilities of uncompromisingly high standards.

Media enquiries:
Amira Abdulla                                                   
Director- Regional Public Relations                     
Dubai International Financial Centre
Tel: +971 4 362 2433                                         
E-mail: amira.abdulla@difc.ae                            

Shaima Al Zarouni
Assistant PR Manager
Dubai International Financial Centre                    
Tel: +971 4 362 2432
E-mail: shaima.alzarouni@difc.ae

Iman Ahmad
Regional Media Relations Manager
Dubai International Financial Centre
Tel: +971 50 2058021
E-mail: iman.ahmad@difc.ae                                                              

© Press Release 2009