More than 300 industry leaders gathred on Tuesday at the 4th Annual World Takaful Conference (WTC 2009) in Dubai to debate the core issues that will shape the future of the global Takaful industry. Held in strategic partnership with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the two-day gathering of market leaders at the Dusit Thani Hotel Dubai provides a key opportunity for the Takaful industry to discuss the opportunities and challenges that a changing economic landscape presents. The conference is a timely opportunity for industry leaders to assess recent developments in the global Takaful landscape, especially the impact of the turmoil in global financial markets on the industry. WTC 2009 also provides a forum for discussions on laying the foundations for revitalized growth in the global Takaful markets. Nasser Al Shaali, CEO of the DIFC Authority, said: “As Islamic finance enters a new phase of development, Takaful is one of the sectors within the industry that holds considerable potential for growth. Over the last few years, Takaful has grown in profile as an alternative to conventional insurance and transformed itself from a regional to a global industry. DIFC's regulatory environment and business-enabling infrastructure makes it one of the best platforms in the world for Takaful service providers to tap new opportunities and grow their business. Our support for the 4th Annual World Takaful Conference is part of our commitment to support the rapid growth of the Takaful industry.” Paul M Koster, chief executive of Dubai Financial Services Authority, delivered the opening remarks. The opening keynote session features perspectives from Lord Mohamed Sheikh; Dr. Saleh J. Malaikah, Vice Chairman and CEO of Salama Islamic Arab Insurance Company (P.S.C); Dr. Ahmed Al Janahi, managing director, Noor Takaful and deputy Group CEO, Noor Investment Group; Jonathan Wilton, chief executive officer, ACR ReTakaful MEA; and Gul Khan, Global HEAD of Wealth Management, of HSBC Amanah. The high-profile speakers at the 4th Annual World Takaful Conference will also discuss the challenges facing the global ReTakaful industry, the Shariah framework for Takaful, as well as the opportunities for product innovation. WTC 2009 will also feature the launch of the 2009 Ernst & Young World Takaful Report, an original research project, which will feature in-depth coverage and analysis of the Takaful industry in the Middle East and Asia, as well as in emerging Takaful markets such as Europe and North America. The World Islamic Insurance Directory - a reference guide to Islamic Insurance institutions - will also be launched at the event. __
