Islamic banking experts speak to students at the university of Bahrain

13 June, 2006 - Two senior Islamic Banking Experts from Shamil Bank, a leading Bahrain-based Islamic commercial and investment bank, were invited by the Department of Economics and Finance at the University of Bahrain and presented: "A Comparison between Islamic and Conventional Banks".  Mr. Tariq Bahar, Head of Retail Banking, Shamil Bank and Mr. Abdulnasser Bukamal, Senior Manager and Assistant Head of Banking Operations, Shamil Bank presented their lecture to over 60 students from various departments, faculty and senior staff members.

The lecture, held at the University's Campus in Sakheer recently aimed to educate both students and faculty members on all aspects of Islamic Banking and its growing importance to the economy of Bahrain. The lecture, a joint effort between the bank and the University, was held on a special initiative of Shaikha Mariam Al-Khalifa, Chancellor, University of Bahrain; Dr. Hameeda J. Abu Hussain, Dean, University of Bahrain and Dr. Batool Al-Aseeri, Head of the Department, University of Bahrain.

Dr. Yasser Ismail Taha, Assistant Professor, Department of Economics and Finance, who coordinated the event for the University of Bahrain, thanked Shamil Bank for their participation, "There is a definite lack of awareness and information in the general public on Islamic Banking and its benefits. Shamil Bank's in-depth presentation was insightful and gave students and staff members alike an insight into the founding principles, product structures and operational procedures of Islamic Banking."

"As Islamic Banking continues to grow exponentially these forums for discussion will become extremely important and  academic institutions must strive to promote and educate the public on Islamic Banking and encourage healthy exchange of ideas with regards to such topics," said Dr. Yasser Ismail Taha.

Following the lecture Mr. Bahar and Mr. Bukamal held an interactive question and answer session with the audience to fuel discussion on the topic of Islamic Banking. Many aspects of Islamic Banking were debated during the lively discussion that ensued which proved to be very enlightening for the audience.

Shamil Bank was the only Islamic Bank in the Kingdom to be invited by Dr. Yasser Ismail Taha to speak at the lecture. Mr. Yousif Abdulla Yousif, Senior Manager, HR and Administration, Shamil Bank, helped organise the event on behalf of the bank in coordination with Dr. Yasser Ismail Taha. Mr. Yousif said, "It is our aim as an Islamic Bank to continually work towards raising the profile of the Islamic banking industry in the Kingdom of Bahrain and beyond. As the next generation of leaders and decision-makers, university students are our target audience and this was the perfect opportunity to engage them in a dialogue about Islamic Banking and its contribution to our society as a whole."

"Islamic Banking has effectively changed the way we look at traditional banking and it is important for us to highlight the differences between Islamic Banks and conventional banks in order to equip people with the information they require to make informed decisions. Creating platforms for discussions are extremely useful when attempting to educate the public and as such this lecture gave students a chance to interact with our Islamic Banking experts which enhanced their understanding of the practical applications of the Islamic banking system. We look forward to speaking at the University in the future so as to continue the dialogue we have initiated," concluded Mr. Yousif.

-Ends- 

About Shamil Bank
Shamil Bank is incorporated in the Kingdom of Bahrain and has grown steadily since 1982 to become a leading Islamic institution with a shareholding equity of US$ 338 million and assets under management of some US$ 1.52 billion.

The Bank provides a diverse range of products and services that cater to the financing and investment needs of individuals and instuitutions. It conducts its business in compliance with the principles of the Islamic Sharia'a.

Shamil Bank is a subsidiary of the Dar Al-Maal Al-Islami Trust, one of the world's leading Islamic financial organizations. Other shareholders include prominent Saudi and Bahraini entities and high net worth individuals.

The Bank operates a network of local branches and maintains a presence in overseas markets through subsidiary, associated and affiliated companies. The Bank's shares are listed on the Bahrain Stock Exchange.

For further information please contact:
Sharaf Khawaja
Marketing Manager
Shamil Bank
Tel:   +973 -17 585082
Fax:  +973 -17 585140
Mob: +973 - 367 42723 

Kristen Ritter
Action Bahrain
TEL: +973 17234553
Email: Kristen.r@actionprgroup.com

© Press Release 2006