Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre (DIEDC) today announced that the fifth edition of the Global Islamic Economy Summit (GIES 2020), set to run from 9 to 10 November 2020, will take place on the sidelines of Expo 2020 Dubai, the first World Expo ever to be hosted in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai and General Supervisor of the Dubai: Capital of Islamic Economy initiative, said: “Including the fifth edition of GIES alongside Expo 2020 Dubai supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to establish Dubai as the global capital of Islamic economy.
Eminent personalities and decision makers from around the world will gather in Dubai next year to redefine the global economic landscape, and the Islamic economy will play a crucial role through this landmark Summit in convening key stakeholders.”
He added: “We are committed to executing Dubai’s Islamic economy strategy as per the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and to prioritising its objectives to build a prosperous economic future for the emirate.
GIES 2020 will provide an ideal platform for a meaningful conversation about the Islamic economy and the global opportunities that can be leveraged to ensure its sustainability. Dubai has consolidated its leading position in the field due to the pioneering role it has played to date in the development of a viable Islamic economy framework.”
Sustainable Growth
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman of the Higher Committee of Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “The vision and strategic directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, set the foundation for Dubai’s qualitative economic leaps. Under his wise leadership, our achievements have become the world’s aspirations and model for success.”
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed added: “As we prepare to host the world’s greatest show, Expo 2020 Dubai, visitors from around the world will have the opportunity to dive deeper into the Islamic economy, learn about its short- and long-term benefits, as well as its impact on mature and emerging markets alike. Dubai’s pivotal role in this vital sector and its successes will be highlighted, along with the benefits the industry presents for all humankind.”
Preferred Destination
For his part, His Excellency Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of DIEDC, said: “GIES seeks to address the growing demand for knowledge exchange in the Islamic economy on all fronts. As the organisers, we were keen to capitalise on the power of the World Expo – an event of momentous proportions that is held every five years since its first edition in London in 1851 – and incorporate the fifth edition of the Summit into its platform.”
He added: “Hosting GIES during Expo 2020 Dubai indicates the readiness of the Islamic economy sectors for the next stage of growth, while reinforcing Dubai’s status as a preferred destination for experts and stakeholders in the field.
The event will enable us to share Dubai’s successful experience in developing the Islamic economy, explore opportunities for collaboration, and identify solutions to the most pressing challenges.”
In closing, His Excellency Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri said: “Countries across the world are keen to identify sustainable practices that boost economic diversification, financial inclusivity, and environmental sustainability. In this context, Expo 2020 will go a long way in raising awareness about the vital role of the Islamic economy in sustainable development.”
Global Recognition
His Excellency Majid Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Board Member of DIEDC said: “Following four successful editions of the Global Islamic Economy Summit, we are once again delighted and honoured to be involved in this premier event which continues to serve as an essential platform for collaboration and dialogue among key stakeholders that advances Islamic economy.
Hosting the summit on the sidelines of Expo 2020 Dubai will only add to the event’s significance and cement Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for Islamic economy sectors.
GIES is organised every other year by DIEDC in collaboration with Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Dubai Chamber) and Refinitiv, and under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Through highlighting the role of Islamic economy in improving standards of living and promoting sustainable economic development, the Summit aims to strengthen Dubai’s status as the global capital of Islamic economy.
As part of the GIES 2020 agenda, the Islamic Economy Award will honour the most innovative initiatives and projects that leverage the Islamic economy concept of ethical business and responsible economic practices to positively impact society.
In addition, the Summit will host a series of parallel discussions on a wide range of socio-economic issues. The list of distinguished speakers will feature international businessmen who have taken the halal industry to new heights through global expansion, thereby encouraging a new generation of Islamic economy entrepreneurs.
The previous edition of GIES in 2018 attracted more than 3,000 participants. Key topics included rapid digitalisation and the effects of the global economic shifts on the dynamics of the Islamic economy. More
