DIFC, S&P Global Host 15th Meet on 2025–26 Islamic Finance

S&P Global Ratings and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) have come together to host the 15th Annual Islamic Finance Conference, marking another milestone in the growth of the Islamic finance industry. The event, held at the DIFC Atrium, celebrated a year of resilience and expansion for the Islamic finance sector, which saw an impressive 10.6% growth in 2024, with total sukuk outstanding crossing USD 1 trillion for the first time — a powerful reflection of the industry's strength and rising global influence.

At the heart of the discussion was the future of Islamic finance, with industry experts exploring how it continues to shape sustainable, inclusive economic progress across the Middle East and beyond. The conference also provided insights into the GCC’s evolving capital markets, focusing on how Islamic finance can fuel economic transformation and innovation in the region.

Speaking at the event, Hadi Melki, Regional Head at S&P Global Ratings, highlighted that Islamic finance remains a beacon of stability amid global uncertainty. “The Islamic finance industry continues to demonstrate resilience, supported by the growth of banking assets and sukuk issuances. With financing requirements for transformation programs in the GCC increasing, Islamic finance is well-positioned to sustain its momentum into 2025,” he said.

Echoing this sentiment, Alya AlZarouni, Chief Operating Officer at DIFC Authority, emphasized DIFC’s role in driving the sector forward. “As Islamic finance continues to evolve as a force for inclusive and sustainable growth, DIFC remains committed to fostering innovation and nurturing globally competitive Shariah-compliant solutions,” she said. She added that the partnership with S&P Global Ratings underscores a shared vision for a more dynamic, digitally driven future for Islamic finance.

The event featured thought-provoking sessions, including a panel discussion on “Islamic Finance 2025–2026: Resilient Growth Amid Upcoming Headwinds,” which examined key drivers of growth, emerging challenges, and upcoming opportunities. Esteemed panelists such as Abdul Kadir Hussain (Arqaam Capital), Ali Taufeeq (HSBC), and Hitesh Dhoot (DAMAC Properties) shared deep insights on market trends and strategies to sustain growth in Islamic finance.

Experts from S&P Global Dow Jones Indices also presented valuable insights into global and GCC fixed income trends, along with an in-depth look at sukuk markets. The event concluded with a discussion on S&P Global Ratings’ GCC cross-sector outlook, giving participants a holistic understanding of the region’s financial landscape.

With Islamic finance now standing as a USD 1 trillion industry, the collaboration between S&P Global Ratings and DIFC continues to strengthen its foundation for the future. The 15th edition of the conference not only celebrated past achievements but also set the tone for an exciting era of innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable growth in the world of Islamic finance.