For almost 2 decades the World Islamic Banking Conference (WIBC) has been at the forefront of the global Islamic finance industry, establishing its reputation as the world’s largest and most influential gathering of Islamic finance industry leaders. From a mere 120 pioneering delegates at its launch way back in 1994, the 18th Annual WIBC recently held in November 2011 continued this tradition of supporting growth, excellence and innovation in the industry - and broke new records in 2011 with more than 1,300 attendees from 50+ countries joining over 60 market-leading partners and sponsors.


Notwithstanding the recent global economic challenges and the potential spillover from the ongoing Euro zone crisis, Islamic banking and finance continues to be one of the fastest growing segments in the global financial markets. The Middle East region alone has witnessed 20% CAGR growth over the past 5 years and is well positioned to double by 2015 according to the EY World Islamic Banking Competitiveness Report 2011/12. This high-growth trajectory is being increasingly recognised in key financial centres across the world and industry leaders are now taking practical steps towards the next growth phase for Islamic banking in the region. The Middle East region has played a pivotal role from the very early stages in the development of the industry. Today, with the expansion of major economies in the region, there has been unprecedented growth in the Islamic finance industry - with significant growth potential still to be tapped.

The Middle East markets have recognised that Shari’ah compliant alternatives in the areas of banking and finance have become increasingly attractive among the investment community, corporate end users, consumers and intermediaries. This is evident from the shift evident in recent years where the Middle East market has seen billions of dollars moving from conventional banks to the Shari’ah model. The Middle East, which accounts for nearly 60% of global Islamic banking assets, is clearly a key nerve centre of Islamic finance.

It is against this dynamic backdrop that the 2nd Annual Middle East Islamic Finance & Investment Conference (MEIFIC 2012) will be convened to specifically focus on the opportunities and challenges that are forging the Islamic banking, finance and investment landscape in the region. To be held on the 18th of April 2012 at the Dusit Thani Dubai, MEIFIC 2012 will focus on providing a powerful platform for industry players seeking to further build their presence in the dynamically evolving Middle East markets for Islamic finance and to explore emerging opportunities which will further increase the momentum of growth.