$200 BILLION ISLAMIC FINANCE A GLOBAL STAR Sheikh Mohammed endorses Dubai international summit

The International Islamic Finance Forum in Dubai (March 17-19) will focus on the global and regional perspectives of this unique financial industry -- and reveal the latest trends in the worlds fastest growing financial sector.

The dynamic Islamic investment and financial management market is growing at the rate of 15 per cent annually; operates in more than 70 countries -- and accounts for a staggering US$200 billion.

Once considered a fringe player, Islamic finance is now a global star -- arguably, the worlds fastest growing financial sector. Its banking industry is a phenomenon and is predicted to maintain double-digit annual growth rates for the next 15 to 20 years.

Competing with a monolithic conventional industry, professionals in Islamic financing must streamline procedures, develop new and innovative products and maintain leading-edge technology. Only by keeping pace with a fast-growing, modern market can Islamic institutions and instrument providers stay ahead and thrive.

Thats why the Institute for International Research, in association with Dow Jones Indexes, iHilal Financial Services and the Saudi Economic & Development Company, have put together a distinguished Forum of international policy-makers and business leaders.

The International Islamic Finance Forum in Dubai (March 17-19) will focus on the global and regional perspectives of this unique financial industry -- and reveal the latest trends in the worlds fastest growing financial sector.

This ground-breaking event is being held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence, and is certain to become the annual highlight of the Islamic financial year. The speaker and company participation list is a Whos Who" of the Islamic financial world.

For full details of the International Islamic Finance Forum visit www.iiff.net