International and regional industry Islamic finance experts will meet next week in Dubai to draw a new roadmap to fully realise the potential of the sector in the region.

They will be taking part in the first Middle East Islamic Finance & Investment Conference (MEIFIC 2011), being held on April 12 and 13 at Dusit Thani Dubai.

“Though there has been significant growth, several challenges now need to be addressed in order to spur new growth onto the next level,” said a statement.

Speaking ahead of the event, David McLean, managing director of Mega Events – organiser of MEIFIC 2011 – said: “MEIFIC, which is the latest addition to our portfolio of flagship industry events, is set to continue our tradition of supporting growth, excellence and innovation in the global Islamic finance industry first began by our launch of the World Islamic Banking Conference (WIBC) almost 2 decades ago.

“With its exceptional panel of leading industry CEOs and thought leaders, MEIFIC 2011 will be a high-profile platform to specifically focus on the opportunities and challenges that are forging the Islamic banking, finance and investment landscape in the region. Furthermore, MEIFIC 2011 is co-located with the 6th Annual World Takaful Conference to provide a unique platform that can comprehensively address the future direction of the Middle East Islamic finance industry as a whole,” he said.

Held under the theme “Successfully Adapting to New Market Realities for Islamic Finance in the Middle East”, the event will begin with a special inaugural address by Hussain AlQemzi, chief executive officer, Noor Islamic Bank and group chief executive officer, Noor Investment Group.

Dr Saleh Malaikah, chairman of Rusd Investment Bank, will deliver a special keynote address at the event. “We are excited about the new opportunities presented in the Middle East for Islamic finance and investment and we see this event as an ideal platform to tap into such exciting opportunities”, he said.

MEIFIC 2011 will also feature a high-powered opening keynote plenary session that will critically evaluate the new market realities for Islamic finance in the Middle East and chart new growth opportunities. -TradeArabia News Service