Iqbal Khan, the CEO of private equity investment firm Fajr Capital, has been presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at the 2015 Global Islamic Economy Summit.

Khan was selected by a panel of eleven independent international jurors led by Hussain Al Qemzi, chairman of the UAE’s Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation. The judging criteria was established by Thomson Reuters, and focused on both qualitative and quantitative aspects to honour an outstanding and influential business leader who has made a significant impact on the global Islamic economy.

“I am grateful to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for presenting me with this prestigious award and for his patronage of the Islamic economy initiative,” said Khan following the ceremony at the Global Islamic Economy Summit.

“I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this recognition on behalf of so many industry leaders, Shari’a scholars, colleagues and friends who have committed their lives to advancing Islamic finance on a global scale.

“Our work, however, has only just begun. Islamic finance is based on an authentic vision to serve communities, not markets. Our industry has achieved many important milestones in recent decades, but we must do more to nurture the next generation of leaders and role model institutions and economies,” he added.

Khan is the third recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. During his distinguished career, Khan has played a prominent role in developing and promoting Islamic financial services on the international stage. He was instrumental in establishing and expanding several renowned industry institutions and initiatives, including Citi Islamic Investment Bank, HSBC Amanah, Meezan Bank, and the Islamic Finance Project at Harvard University. – TradeArabia News Service