DUBAI, United Arab Emirates , July 28, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- This September will see the Dubai-based International Islamic Finance Forum landing in Istanbul for the 8th in the series of the highly popular events. UAE-based organizers IIR have announced that Turkish Minister of Finance, Kemal Unakitan, will make a keynote address to all attendees on day two of the forum. IIFF Forum Director, Christianna Tsiterou said, "We are delighted to announce the return of the International Islamic Finance Forum to Istanbul and are confident that this year will be the biggest yet. We are expecting over 400 attendees from across the world to come together over the 26-28th September to hear the latest news in the industry and network with their peers."
The forum will open with a special session on Turkey -- 'The bridge between East and West,' with issues discussed such as the impact of the WTO and the specific opportunities the dynamic Turkish market provides to Islamic financial institutions. Many more popular sessions follow over the three-days of the forum, including the Islamic financial law symposium, which features the world's leading scholars, academics and Shariah board members. New topics are also on the conference agenda with the session dedicated to the challenge of consumer marketing and promotion in this rapidly expanding industry sure to attract much interest.
"With over forty speakers covering every aspect of the industry, the forum serves as the largest gathering of Islamic finance professionals in the world. Basically anyone with an interest in Islamic banking should attend," added Tsiterou. A new addition to the forum will be the issue of an award for a local Turkish bank, which will be handed out personally by the Minister of Finance on day two.
The forum also offers an exhibition of Islamic finance organizations, which will be open throughout all three days. Sponsors of the event include Dubai Bank as Diamond Sponsor, Oasis and Dubai International Financial Centre as Platinum sponsors and ABC Islamic Bank as Gold sponsors. Those wishing to find out more information on the event are advised to visit the website http://www.iiff.com.