Global Business Leaders Gather in London for Islamic Economy Gala

London hosted the 6th Global Business Excellence Gala, bringing together global business leaders to discuss the importance of mutual understanding and shared purpose in the Islamic economy. The event, organized by the AlBaraka Forum for Islamic Economy, aimed to foster collaboration and innovation among participants.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Mr. Yousef Hassan Khalawi, Secretary General of AlBaraka Forum for Islamic Economy, welcomed the distinguished guests and highlighted the significance of bringing like-minded individuals together. He emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation in the global business community.

Dr. Yahya Hendi, Director for Muslim Life at Georgetown University, delivered a keynote address calling for stronger economic coordination and cooperation. He encouraged leaders to connect global perspectives with local action, drawing on the principles of ta'arafu (getting to know one another), ta'awanu (cooperating in good), and tanafasu (competing in good).

Dr. Nabil Qaddoumi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Taawon Association, Palestine, spoke about the moral and ethical responsibility of business leaders to improve lives through collective action. He shared Taawon’s experience of translating a shared vision among business leaders into long-term community development. Qaddoumi highlighted that Taawon has invested USD 1 billion in people, through programmes spanning education, healthcare, youth development, and support for vulnerable communities. He also discussed the organization’s endowment and generations fund as foundations for long-term sustainability.

H.E. Mr. Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ibn Haldun University, Istanbul, paid tribute to the late Sheikh Saleh Kamel’s contribution to Islamic finance. He outlined a vision for applying halal and tayyib principles across production, trade, and investment. Erdoğan stressed that these values extend beyond products to encompass how income is earned, how workers are treated, and how business decisions uphold human dignity. He emphasized the importance of showing the same care for the legitimacy of the income that puts food on our tables as we show for the Halal status of the food itself.

The gathering also welcomed prominent leaders from the investment and banking communities, including Mr. Salim Arda Ermut, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Türkiye Wealth Fund; Mr. Ahmet Burak Dağlıoğlu, President of the Investment and Finance Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye; and Mr. Malek Khodr Temsah, CEO of Albaraka Türk Participation Bank. The event also featured executives from fintech and investment companies, reflecting the breadth of participation and the opportunities for closer cooperation across banking, investment, technology, and the wider Islamic economy.

The evening was proudly supported by Albaraka Türk Participation Bank as the Official Gala Partner, Anadolu Agency as the Global Communication Partner, and Arab Bank Europe and Libya Africa Investment Portfolio as Premium Sponsors. Their support contributed to an evening dedicated to strengthening international business connections, translating shared values into action, and advancing collaboration across the global Islamic economy.