Dubai, UAE, November 9, 2026
AlHuda Centre of Islamic Banking and Economics hosted the 3rd Global Islamic FinTech Forum 2026 on 5 November at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Dubai. The forum brought together ambassadors, regulators, bankers, FinTech founders and investors from across the world. Their shared objective was to explore practical ways to integrate technological innovation with Shariah principles and promote a more inclusive and equitable financial system.
The forum came at a time of strong growth for the sector. Global Islamic finance assets reached US$6.5 trillion in 2025, up 9% in a single year. They are expected to pass US$10.5 trillion by 2030. Islamic FinTech is growing even faster. The market is worth around US$198 billion today and is set to reach US$341 billion by 2029. The UAE is one of the world’s leading Islamic FinTech markets, making Dubai the right place for this dialogue.
The programme commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Mr. Abdul Samad, followed by a welcome address from Mr. Muhammad Zubair Mughal, Chief Executive Officer of AlHuda CIBE. The distinguished Guests of Honour included H.E. Shafqat Ali Khan, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the UAE; H.E. Aisa Ismail, Deputy Ambassador of the Republic of Uganda to the UAE; Mr. Omar Mustafa Ansari, Secretary General of the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), Bahrain; Dr. Yared Mola, President of the Association of Ethiopian Insurers; Mr. Ikeh Titus Adakole, Founder & CEO of Open Space Financial Services Ltd, Nigeria; and Mr. Angelo Rossi, Chief Executive Officer of Mac & Ro Capital FZC, UAE. Their presence reflected the forum’s global reach.
Speaking at the forum, Mr. Muhammad Zubair Mughal said: “Islamic FinTech is becoming an important force in transforming the global Islamic finance industry. Through these awards, we aim to recognize those who are combining technology with Shariah principles to create accessible, responsible and future-ready financial solutions. Such recognition encourages innovation, strengthens industry collaboration and supports an inclusive digital Islamic financial ecosystem.” Mr. Omar Mustafa Ansari, Secretary General of AAOIFI, added: “The sustainable progress of Islamic financial technology depends on innovation that remains firmly rooted in Shariah principles, strong governance and public trust. Global platforms such as this forum help bring institutions, regulators and innovators together to strengthen the Islamic finance ecosystem and expand its positive impact.”
Following the inauguration ceremony, the forum featured Presentation Session I, titled “The Future of Islamic FinTech: Trends & Opportunities,” bringing together leading industry experts to explore emerging developments and opportunities in Islamic FinTech. Mr. Samy Mohamad, Co-Founder & CEO of Tabadulat, UAE, discussed Shariah-Compliant Digital Platforms & Services; Mr. Muhammad Salman Anjum, Chief Mate at InvoiceMate/DeFa, UAE, presented on Tokenization: The Next Evolution in Islamic Finance; Mr. Angelo Rossi, CEO of Mac & Ro Capital FZC, UAE, highlighted Gold FinTech and Opportunities for Islamic Finance; while Prof. Talal Yassine AM, Managing Director of Salaam, Australia, shared insights on FinTech in Australia: Challenges and Opportunities for Islamic FinTech.
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A and concluding remarks by Dr. Humayon Dar, Chairman of Cambridge IFA and Director General of the Cambridge Institute of Islamic Finance, United Kingdom, who chaired the session.
The discussions began with regulation, Shariah governance and risk management. Mr. Aman Pal Singh (B4E Insurtech Inc, Canada), Dr. Fahmi Iskander (O’Gold), Ms. Viktoria Soltesz (The Soltesz Institute, Cyprus), Mr. Mustamir Siddiqui (Sharjah Islamic Bank) and Mr. Muhammad Idrees (Ultron FZE) shared their views, moderated by Ms. Christelle El Metni (EXANTE). The panel agreed that trust is the foundation of Islamic FinTech. Clear rules, strong Shariah oversight and early cooperation between regulators and innovators were seen as the keys to safe growth.
The forum then turned to ethical neo-FinTech and Sukuk. Mr. Oscar Ede and Ms. Surmita Sharma of Open Space Financial Services Ltd, Nigeria, led this session, chaired by Mr. Ikeh Titus Adakole. They showed how digital platforms and Sukuk can open Islamic finance to many more people. Lower costs and easier access mean small investors can now take part in projects once reserved for large institutions.
Shariah-compliant global development and sustainable Islamic FinTech came next. Mr. Bashar Al-Natoor (Fitch Ratings Ltd), Dr. Ahcene Lahsasna (Salihin Shariah Advisory Services, Malaysia), Mr. Rusana Joseph Waryoba (Exim Credit Bank), Mr. Alexey Soluyanov (Colvir Software Solutions, Uzbekistan), Mr. Jawad Mahmood (MYTM Group, Saudi Arabia), Ms. Sadia Noori (Marketing & Digital Transformation Leader, GCC) and Ms. Saeeda Ahmed (Sustainable Cities Global Ltd, United Kingdom) took part, with Mr. Muhammad Zubair Mughal as moderator. Speakers stressed that Islamic FinTech can do more than grow profits. It can fund small businesses, housing, insurance and green projects in emerging markets.
The final discussion looked at investing in the future through ethical capital and sustainable growth. Mr. Ali Jaber Al Ateya (Abwab Holding), Mr. Sheikh Muhammad Noman (Pegasus Capital Investments), Mr. Rizwan Shaikh (Pristine InfoSolutions) and Ms. Asma Jan Muhammad (Qaim Financing Consultancy) joined the panel, moderated by Mr. Sidd Gandhi (VBC Capital). The message was simple. Investors want growth that is both profitable and responsible, and Islamic FinTech offers exactly that. The forum also hosted the 3rd Global Islamic FinTech Awards 2026, honouring sixteen institutions and individuals from Canada, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sweden and the UAE.
The forum was sponsored by Open Space Financial Services Ltd (Collaboration Partner), Mac & Ro Capital FZC (Gold Sponsor), QAIM Financing Consultancy and O’Gold (Exhibition Sponsors), Tabadulat (Digital Exhibitor) and AAOIFI (Knowledge Partner). Supporting organizations were AFIK, Media Waves, Africa Fintech Network, Silicon Valley PropTech Association, BizData Insights, VBC Capital, MCJL and CAFA. Media partners were De Bacci Capital, Middle East News247, The Paypers, IFING Media, PROLEO.IO, BTCWIRE, Fintech News UAE, Financial IT and Fintech Weekly.
The forum closed with a clear direction for the industry, more cooperation, stronger trust and faster action. It reaffirmed Dubai’s place as a meeting point for global dialogue on ethical financial technology. A post-event workshop on “Islamic FinTech and Smart Contracts in Islamic Finance” followed on 6 November.
About AlHuda CIBE
AlHuda Centre of Islamic Banking and Economics – UAE, has worked to grow Islamic banking and finance since 2005. It offers advisory and consultancy, Shariah advisory, research, Islamic product development, professional training and international conferences. Its work covers Islamic banking, Takaful, Sukuk, Islamic microfinance and Islamic FinTech. Through a network in more than 104 countries, AlHuda CIBE promotes ethical finance and financial inclusion. For more information, visit www.alhudacibe.com.
For Media Contact
Mr. Imran Haider | Admin Officer | AlHuda CIBE – UAE
Email: [email protected] | Tel: +971 58 684 3385