More than 3,000 attendees are hearing from a distinguished panel of industry experts and visionary leaders discuss ideas to leverage the Islamic economy to boost social integration and promote innovation and technology at the fourth edition of the Global Islamic Economy Summit (GIES).

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, attended the GIES which kicked-off yesterday (October 30) in Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai.

Themed ‘A Shared Future’, the summit covers topics such as social impact entrepreneurship, responsible finance, skilling up for the fourth industrial revolution, and harnessing blockchain for the Islamic economy, reported state news agency Wam.

Majid Saif Al Ghurair, chairman of Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “The fourth edition of GIES comes at a pivotal time for Dubai and the global Islamic economy, which is entering its next phase of growth as it embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

“Through this summit, Dubai aims to unify the global efforts to promote the Islamic economy and to create an environment in which everyone will work to develop an integrated Islamic economic model, in which the Islamic economy will be able to expand its product base and move towards new horizons,” he added.

Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, highlighted the importance of the summit, and the Shariah based economy.

President of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, delivered a keynote speech highlighting the importance of Islamic economy for his country.

Sheikh Hamdan also honoured winners of the 6th edition of the Islamic Economy Award, which included seven categories.

As the world's largest and most comprehensive forum dedicated to all aspects of the Islamic economy, the Global Islamic Economy Summit (GIES) in Dubai has become an important platform for industry leaders and stakeholders to collaborate, share knowledge, and explore new areas of opportunity that are emerging within halal industries.

With a high calibre of participants who include heads of state, ministers, policymakers and prominent CEOs, GIES 2018 is addressing important matters and trends that are having a major impact on the sector, added the report.