A new attendance record will be achieved when over 1,000 delegates representing the decision-makers of the world’s leading Islamic financial institution gather at the 14th annual World Islamic Banking Conference (WIBC).

The event will be held at the Gulf International Convention Centre in Bahrain from December 8 to 10, 2007.
 
Speaking ahead of the conference, managing director of MEGA, the owners of the WIBC brand, David McLean highlighted the growth of the event over the past 14 years.

“In 1993, with only a handful of Islamic banks in existence, a mere 120 pioneering delegates attended the first ever WIBC. Today, with the extraordinary proliferation of Islamic financial institutions worldwide, 1,000 delegates from more than 35 countries will attend WIBC this year,” said McLean.

“Working with over 60 partners and sponsors from industry-leading companies further highlights the pivotal role that WIBC plays as the largest and most significant gathering of Islamic banking and finance industry leaders anywhere in the world,” he added.

Senior executives from market-leading institutions further echo this growth. CEO of Al Salam Bank Yousif Taqi emphasised: “Every year we witness increasing interest from key financial institutions to attend WIBC as it stimulates insightful debate on substantial issues facing the global industry.”

Networking between industry powerhouses is also high on the agenda. In addition to the substantial information exchange and knowledge transfer that takes place at the plenary sessions of the WIBC, there is also significant value to be gained from the activities and discussions that take place on the sidelines of the main conference.

From international press briefings to informal networking, the WIBC Sidelines is a creative environment conducive to getting the most from participation in the conference.

The WIBC exhibition also runs alongside the conference and provides a showcase for the latest developments in the industry, new financial services product launches and innovative solutions, with an emphasis on improving efficiency and performance.

With a focus on The World Comes to WIBC, this year will see the launch of the UK Pavilion. Hosted by the UK Trade & Investment, the UK Pavilion will feature a high-powered delegation of decision makers representing key banks and institutions based in the UK, including the London Stock Exchange.

With major initiatives already underway to establish London as a key European centre for Islamic finance, the UK Pavilion will be a dynamic and interactive space to meet with those leaders who are currently forging the UK’s role in Islamic finance, especially with exciting developments advancing on the UK Sukuk market.

Furthermore, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), a global organisation which supports over 158,000 students and members in more than 161 countries, will be launching a new specialist Islamic Finance qualification at the WIBC pre-dinner reception on the evening of 9 December.

The Executive Business Lounge, hosted by Bahrain Financial Services Development (BFSD), will enable the delegates to more effectively connect with key clients, prospects and international media in a more interactive and spacious platform. Premium coffee from Starbucks, wireless Internet and other business benefits are the order of the day at the BFSD Business Lounge.

In addition, the VIP Networking Area, hosted by BankMuscat International will help participants meet and unwind in an informal and relaxed environment.- TradeArabia News Service