The Global Islamic Economy
25-26 November 2013 was the Global Islamic Economy Summit held in Dubai. I was part of a panel discussion on controlling supply chain and logistics integrity. As I have attended various Islamic and Halal conferences all over the world, this Summit was of a different order. This summit brought together global halal industry and Islamic finance experts, well orchestrated by the organisers, and about 3,000 people attending. From this summit it is clear that the Middle East, led by Dubai, want to take a more active role in developing and shaping the Global Islamic Economy. Dubai has drafted a strategic roadmap to become the global hub of the Islamic economy, wanting to capture 10% of the global halal trade. It was also clear from the various speakers at this summit, that halal requires an integral supply chain approach, something which is slowly recognised by the brand owners and manufacturers of halal food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical products. According to the State of the Global Isla...