In collaboration with the Supreme Committee of the Islamic Economy Initiative, the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG) organized a media training course on Islamic economy. Drawing the participation of 45 business and economic journalists from the region’s top media houses, the course shares knowledge on the Islamic economy and highlights its potential impact on Dubai’s real economy. 

 

In preparation for the Global Islamic Economy Summit held on 25 -26, one of the government latest initiatives to support Dubai’s claim as the capital of Islamic economy, the media training course was held on 23- 24 November at the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government. 

 

The course discusses the seven main pillars of the Islamic Economy Initiative, which revolve around placing the emirate at the main center for trusted halal food productions, Islamic tourism, Islamic e-commerce, Islamic design and creations, in addition to becoming the hub for education and the research on the sector and the issuance of Islamic Economy standards. Examining the latest trends in the sector worldwide, the course emphasizes on Dubai government’s strategic plans to develop the industry. 

 

His Excellency Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Chairman of the Supreme Committee of Islamic Economy, said: “As we seek to strengthen Dubai’s position as the global capital of Islamic economy we realize the importance of the role that the media, businesses from large corporates to small proprietary firms and individuals play in achieving this ambition. More importantly, we understand that there is critical need to educate the community and mobilize them as one synchronized team towards this objective. The media training course comes as part of this effort, as it will enhance our association with all sectors especially with media who we consider the main partner in this initiative.” 

 

The 12-lecture training program covers a range of topics concerning Islamic economy. Lectures on the first day defined Dubai’s status as the capital of Islamic economy while highlighting prospects, challenges and power centers. An overview on the historical significance of the concept and Dubai’s role as the birthplace for Islamic finance was also provided. The foreseeable challenges and prospects in the growth of Islamic banking, Islamic finance as well as the arbitration of Islamic contracts were discussed. 

 

On the second day, the lectures will cover the halal industry, design and innovation, standards of Islamic economy (quality, commercial, industrial), as well as education and research on the sector. The participants will also be offered an introduction to Takaful (Islamic insurance), which will include models of interdependence, structures, processes and principles of the shariah. The third day will be devoted to field visits to key government entities related to the sector.

 

Dr. Ali Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President of the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG), said: “Private and public institutions must adopt the policies that support Dubai’s vision of becoming the capital of Islamic economy. For us, at MBRSG, it was important that we support the Dubai Capital of Islamic Economy Initiative by offering intellectual and scientific support that will in return contribute in raising awareness on the concept of Islamic economy. We are confident that the program will offer media professionals a better understanding of the initiative and its positive impact on the emirate’s real economy and motivate everyone to support the initiative.