On the 1^st May 2014, a group of leading industry experts gathered at the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) to discuss the potential for Dubai’s rapidly developing Islamic debt capital market in the context of its wider Islamic economy ambitions and attempt to identify the key challenges and opportunities that currently exist in its path towards becoming a global hub for Sukuk.

Backed by rising liquidity, sound financials and healthy oil prices, Dubai has become a hotbed for investors, both domestic and international, seeking to take advantage of the region’s growing economy. Increasing curiosity amongst local issuers and investors on the prospects of Shariah compliant finance along with a supportive and enthusiastic approach from the authorities has paved the way for rapid progress in the debt capital market arena. How will Dubai attract international issuers as a truly competitive international listing center?

Islamic Finance news was delighted to bring together Basheer Ahmad, Jawad Ali, Hitesh Asarpota, Khalid Howladar, Salah Jaidah and Rizwan Kanji in the second of the seminal Dubai Islamic Roundtable series (in partnership with the Dubai Government, Dubai Economic Council and the DIFC) to discuss their views on the opportunities and obstacles on the pathway towards this goal.

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Basheer Ahmed Senior Manager, Markets DFSA

Jawad Ali Managing Partner King & Spalding

Rizwan Kanji Partner King & Spalding

Hitesh Asarpota Head of Debt Capital Markets Emirates NBD Capital

Khalid Howladar Global Head of Islamic finance Moody’s Investors Service

Salah Jaidah Islamic Finance Deutsche Bank AG