Survey results to be announced at the International Islamic Finance Forum Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi – October 6th, 2010: A recent survey conducted by YouGov Siraj, to under-stand consumer banking preferences in the region, with a focus on Islamic banking, re-vealed that 54 percent of consumers cannot differentiate between Islamic and conven-tional banking services. The reason cited was both banks provide similar products and services.

The findings are crucial particularly, during a period when Islamic banks are differentiat-ing themselves with a renewed emphasis on fundamental ethics at the heart of Islamic banking model.

The survey has also been conducted with an aim to answer an important question: “Would the average customer prefer a bank that promises moral salvation or one which offers friendly, convenient service, value for money, and an envy inducing credit card?”  The complete results of the survey will be released exclusively at the International

Islamic Finance Forum Abu Dhabi on October 12th, 2010.

The International Islamic Finance Forum Abu Dhabi will be held from October 11th - 12th, 2010 at the Le Royal Meridien Hotel in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The event will showcase a new interactive round-table format; panel discussions will highlight key issues affecting in the Islamic finance industry and the way forward.

The event boasts eminent speakers such as Afaq Khan, chief executive officer, Standard Chartered SAADIQ, Khalid Howladar, senior credit officer for asset backed and sukuk fi-nance, Moody’s Middle East and Mufaddal Khumri, senior vice president and head of Is-lamic banking, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank among others.

UAE Minister of Economy participates in COMSEC ministerial meeting

His Excellency Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, UAE Minister of Economy, said that innovation is the driving force for the development of the Islamic world. He was addressing the COMSEC Ministerial Meeting held in Istanbul.

Mr Al Mansouri urged Islamic nations to join hands and strengthen the level of coordination to explore promising investment opportunities. He also called for more cooperation in small and medium businesses, industries and agriculture.

He said  the Islamic world with a population of over 1.7 billion contributes more than US$ 2.2 trillion to the global GDP and  is a compelling economic bloc that can achieve more if the resources are better managed.

Mr Al Mansouri said this can be achieved through innovation and establishing centres that drive new thinking.. “Innovation creates a big difference for each country and is essential to build a superior and talented new generation. We are aware of this powerful concept in the UAE and have planned to establish one of the best innovation centers in the region.”

He also underscored the need to address the food security issue that is of crucial importance to all Islamic and Arab countries. “The UAE has prioritized this issue a long time ago and is now taking concerte actions by investing in various countries such as Sudan, Cambodia, Egypt, Pakistan and India. We hope that other countries are also aware of the need for food security and will take steps to tackle this issue for the long term”.

Mr Al Mansouri said the Islamic world has faced the challenges of the global crisis remarkably well.  Islamic banking, which is inherently averse to risk, has withstood the global financial crisis with limited repercussions. “One of the lessons of the crisis is the need to adopt strong corporate governance measures and the highest standards of transparency. These are basic ethos of Islamic banking,” he said. .

He added that the UAE was the first country in the world to establish a full-fledged Islamic bank, back in 1972. Today, the UAE has six Islamic banks contribute significantly to the financial sector in the UAE with a combined capital of US$4 billion, representing 14.5 % of the total banking assets in the UAE .

Many foreign banks in the UAE have special divisions providing Sharia-compliant products and services. But the growth in Islamic banking is not restricted to the UAE; it is a worldwide phenomenon. Today, there are more than 300 Islamic bank and institutions in 90 countries around the world, and their average annual growth rates have reached 10 to 15%, he said.

-Ends-

For further information, please contact:

Nedal Al Asaad / Nizar Aridi

ASDA’A Busron – Marsteller

Tel: (+971 4) 334 4550; Fax: (+971 4) 334 4556

Email :   n.alasaad@asdaa.com,n.arid@asdaa.com

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