The Sharjah Economic Development Department's forum on “Islamic Economy and future aspirations” ended on a high note, under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al- Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and chairman of Sharjah Executive Council. The forum recommended, among others, the necessity of taking initiatives to raise awareness of the Islamic economy among Muslims in an attempt to translate their keenness to utilize its efficiency and flexibility into action. It also noted the necessity to form alliances of Islamic economy specialists and experts, teaching the Islamic economy as a subject in colleges and educational institutes and spreading awareness of this model of economy globally via a dedicated Islamic research center. The list of topics discussed at the forum's session included “definitions and aspects of Islamic economy,” “Islamic Economy: aspirations and challenges,” “Sustainability of Islamic Economy,” “The role Islamic Economy plays in economic growth,” “International financial institutions trend to use Islamic solutions,” “Obstacles confronting codification of Islamic Economy, definition and solutions” and “Islamic Economy's culture among investor communities.” Ali Bin Salem Al-Mahmoud, SEDD's general manager, and Dr. Omar Abdelkafy, attended the gathering. Sponsored by Sharjah Islamic Bank, the forum held at Radisson Sas Hotel in Sharjah on Wednesday was also attended by Sheikh Tariq Bin Faisal Al-Qassimi, chairman of Emirates Investments Group; Dr. Mabid Al-Jarhi, financial expert and head of Training Unit at Emirates Islamic Bank; and Dr. Hatem Al-Qarnashawi, professor of Islamic Studies and dean of College of Islamic Studies Islamic Studies at Qatar Foundation. Leading Islamic scholars, top economists, elite businessmen, academics, and specialists, representatives from Islamic banks and officials from government departments participated also in the forum. __
