Dubai, United Arab Emirates , 5 October, 2015

Iqbal Khan, the CEO of Fajr Capital and a long-time advocate of the Islamic finance industry, was today presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at the 2015 Global Islamic Economy Summit.

Iqbal Khan was selected by a panel of eleven independent international jurors led by H.E. Hussain Al Qemzi, Chairman of the UAE's Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation. The judging criteria was established by Thomson Reuters, and focused on both qualitative and quantitative aspects to honour an outstanding and influential business leader who has made a significant impact on the global Islamic economy.

"I am grateful to HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for presenting me with this prestigious award and for his patronage of the Islamic economy initiative," said Iqbal Khan following the ceremony at the Global Islamic Economy Summit.  "I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this recognition on behalf of so many industry leaders, Shari'a scholars, colleagues and friends who have committed their lives to advancing Islamic finance on a global scale.

"Our work, however, has only just begun. Islamic finance is based on an authentic vision to serve communities, not markets. Our industry has achieved many important milestones in recent decades, but we must do more to nurture the next generation of leaders and role model institutions and economies."

Iqbal Khan is the third recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. During his distinguished career, Iqbal Khan has played a prominent role in developing and promoting Islamic financial services on the international stage. He was instrumental in establishing and expanding several renowned industry institutions and initiatives, including Citi Islamic Investment Bank, HSBC Amanah, Meezan Bank, and the Islamic Finance Project at Harvard University.

He now serves as a founding Board member and CEO of Fajr Capital, a leading Islamic investment firm with portfolio companies operating in key Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) markets, including: Algeria, Brunei Darussalam, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Together with its portfolio companies and through the support and enablement of the DIFC, Fajr Capital employs over 15,000 people across multiple high-growth sectors, such as financial services, education, infrastructure, renewable energy, industrial manufacturing and waste management, amongst others.

-Ends-

About the Islamic Economy Awards
The Islamic Economy Award was launched in 2013 under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and directed by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council.

Now in its third year, the annual award recognises innovative world-class business initiatives and ideas that have contributed to the social and economic welfare of the Muslim population. These initiatives and ideas must prove to enhance bilateral trade and investment relations between Islamic nations and forge closer economic ties with the rest of the world towards fostering prosperity, harmony and well-being for all. In addition, a 'Lifetime Achievement Award' recognizes an outstanding and influential business leader who demonstrates inspired leadership and who has made a significant impact on the Islamic economy.

The integrity and credibility of the Award is managed independently by Thomson Reuters, the world's leading information provider; audited by Deloitte, the world's largest privately-held professional services organization; and adjudicated by an esteemed judges' panel based on formal, established criteria.

For further information:
Noman Tahir
Head of Communications, Fajr Capital
E media@fajrcapital.com
T +971 566442530

© Press Release 2015