Fitch affirms Qatar at 'AA'

Fitch Ratings has affirmed Qatar's long-term Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) at 'AA' and removed them from Rating Watch Negative (RWN). The outlook is negative.

The rating actions capture the risk from a further prolongation of the period in which Qatar cannot export liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the sovereign balance sheet, which has held up well so far. The removal from RWN reflects that while the geographic concentration and high complexity of Qatar's LNG facilities is a vulnerability, the risks of further severe damage have reduced since March and the impact of the war on the credit profile will take longer to discern.

The 'AA' rating reflects GDP per capita among the world's highest, large sovereign assets, Fitch Ratings' expectation that additional gas production will further strengthen public finances and a relatively flexible public finance structure. Rating weaknesses include heavy hydrocarbon dependence with a significant vulnerability to geopolitical risks, below-average scores on some measures of governance, higher government debt/GDP than oil-dependent highly rated peers and substantial contingent liabilities, the ratings specialist said.

IsDB Group Chairman and Professor Muhammad Yunus discuss development financing

HE Dr Muhammad Al Jasser, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Group, met Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus at the Yunus Centre in Dhaka to exchange views on how development financing can create greater social and economic impact.

The discussions focused on Professor Yunus’s practical experience in microcredit, social business and financial inclusion, as well as his Three Zeros vision of zero poverty, zero unemployment and zero net carbon emissions.

HE Dr Al Jasser commended Professor Yunus for his contribution to expanding economic opportunities for underserved communities and for demonstrating how entrepreneurship can be applied to address social challenges.

A key part of the discussion focused on young people and the need to create greater opportunities, rekindle hope and address the factors that drive them to seek opportunities elsewhere. H.E. Dr. Al Jasser noted the changing aspirations of younger generations, including the growing desire among many young people to create opportunities rather than follow traditional employment pathways.

Smobler takes vertical AI food compliance push to the Gulf

Singapore-founded technology company Smobler is exploring the expansion of its Robin AI platform toward halal compliance workflows across ASEAN and MENA.

The move reflects Smobler's broader bet on vertical AI: as access to increasingly capable AI models becomes ubiquitous, competitive advantage will shift toward specialised applications solving expensive, persistent and industry-specific problems, the company said.

Smobler launched Robin AI in Hawaiʻi in June 2026 to help early-stage food and beverage entrepreneurs generate draft nutrition labels and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) food-safety plans. The platform is designed to support food safety specialists and regulatory authorities. A future system would similarly support recognised halal certification authorities, qualified auditors and human decision-makers.

"We want to help small producers navigate compliance more efficiently and reduce friction between creating a product and reaching a market," Chen said.

"The most interesting technologies scale globally because the underlying problem is widespread and travels."

Smobler also sees broader opportunity connecting Southeast Asia and the Gulf: adapting technologies and operating knowledge between markets rather than simply exporting software from one region to another.

"The Middle East opportunity isn't interesting simply because AI investment is booming," Smobler CEO Dr Loretta Chen said.

"There are real problems at the intersection of food, trade, logistics and technology where our Asia-Pacific experience may be useful and we have to learn from regional partners."

"Everyone can build an AI demo now," Smobler CTO Mridhul Pax added.

"The difficult part starts afterwards. Can the system be trusted? Is it economical to operate? Does it integrate into the industry? That last mile between an impressive prototype and reliable infrastructure is where we spend much of our time."

Smobler is seeking pilot, technology and commercial partners across food technology and trade, AI infrastructure and enterprise automation, logistics and maritime technology, as well as investment and innovation ecosystems. Organisations interested in discussing a potential pilot can contact mridhul@smobler.io.

International Conference on Islamic Finance and Economy: Call for papers

The Center for Islamic Economics and Finance (CIEF) at the College of Islamic Studies, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), in collaboration with the Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority, invites scholars, practitioners, policymakers, regulators, development institutions, and industry leaders to submit papers for the 9th International Conference on Islamic Finance and Economy (ICIFE).

The conference, to be held in English and Arabic with live interpretation available in both languages, explores how Islamic principles, economics and finance can guide decision-making and contribute to peace-oriented development, social resilience, ethical reconstruction and responsible security in a geopolitically unstable world.

According to the organisers, conflict-affected economies often face weakened institutions, damaged infrastructure, limited access to long-term capital and urgent reconstruction needs. Islamic finance is well-positioned to offer both a normative and practical framework for protecting welfare, rebuilding productive capacity, mobilising ethical capital, and supporting recovery in times of insecurity. The conference, therefore, invites research that moves beyond permissibility and asks how Islamic economics can help build humane, resilient and peace-oriented economic systems.

A central concern of the conference is to avoid normalising destruction or treating war as an engine of growth. Instead, ICIFE 2026 encourages critical reflection on how Islamic finance and economics can support human protection, responsible public finance, livelihood restoration, institutional rebuilding, and sustainable peace.

Conference objectives include:

- Develop Islamic economic and financial frameworks for peace, resilience, reconstruction, and responsible security.

- Examine how Maqasid al-Shariah, Adamiyyah, and Islamic jurisprudence on war and peace can guide ethics in conflict-affected contexts.

- Analyse the impact of geopolitical risk on Muslim-majority economies, Islamic banking, Sukuk markets, capital flows, sovereign finance, trade, food security, energy markets, and monetary stability.

- Explore the role of Islamic social finance, Sukuk, blended finance, capital market instruments, and development finance in rebuilding livelihoods, institutions, infrastructure.

- Clarify the ethical boundaries of finance in relation to public security, strategic industries, defense sectors , humanitarian protection, and post-conflict recovery.

- Assess how emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, drones, surveillance, fintech, and digital infrastructure, are reshaping war, security, reconstruction, and financial ethics.

- Connect Islamic finance with Conscious Economics, Conscious Futures, foresight, scenario planning, anticipatory governance, social trust, human dignity, and resilience.

- Advance policy dialogue on peace-oriented and humane financial systems.

IsDB furthers Bangladesh relationship

HE Dr Muhammad Al Jasser, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, began his official visit to Bangladesh with high-level discussions focused on the country’s development priorities, energy security and future cooperation with the IsDB Group. The meetings reaffirmed the shared commitment of Bangladesh and the IsDB Group to deepen their development partnership and pursue cooperation that supports sustainable growth and economic resilience.

HE Dr Al Jasser first held discussions with HE Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Bangladesh’s Minister of Finance and Planning and IsDB Governor. The meeting reviewed the long-standing Bangladesh–IsDB partnership, progress across the development portfolio and opportunities to expand cooperation in areas central to the country’s growth.

The two sides discussed shaping the upcoming IsDB Group Member Country Partnership Strategy around Bangladesh’s development aspirations, national priorities and financing needs. Key areas included resilient infrastructure, energy security, transport connectivity, trade finance and private-sector development.

They also highlighted the role of the IsDB Concessional Fund in expanding access to concessional financing and discussed blended-finance approaches, sukuk and other financing instruments that could support Bangladesh’s development agenda.

HE Dr Al Jasser also met with HE Anindya Islam Amit, Minister of State for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources of Bangladesh. The discussions focused on ways to strengthen Bangladesh’s energy sector and other critical enabling infrastructure. The two sides explored opportunities to enhance energy security, expand domestic capacity and advance cleaner and more reliable energy systems through IsDB Group financing, trade finance and technical expertise.

HE Tarique Rahman, Hon’ble PM of Bangladesh, also received HE Dr Al Jasser for bilateral talks focused on deepening the long-standing development partnership between Bangladesh and the IsDB Group. During the session, HE Dr Al Jasser praised the enduring relationship between Bangladesh and the IsDB Group, built over more than five decades and reflected in over US$32 B in cumulative financing approvals.

The two leaders reviewed progress across the development portfolio and discussed how deeper cooperation could support the government’s Five-Year Strategic Framework for Reform and Development 2026–2031. Priority areas included energy and food security, transport connectivity, digitalisation, job creation, capacity development and private-sector-led growth.

The discussions also focused on the next IsDB Group Member Country Partnership Strategy for 2027 to 2031. The strategy will shape a programme of cooperation around Bangladesh’s national priorities, financing needs and long-term development aspirations. The two sides considered how the wider IsDB Group could contribute through IsDB financing, ITFC trade-finance solutions and ICIEC risk-mitigation products to mobilise resources and support sustainable economic growth.

The bilateral talks followed the signing of US$1 B in IsDB financing for the modernisation and expansion of the Eastern Refinery Project. HE Dr Al Jasser described the project as a major step toward strengthening Bangladesh’s energy security, expanding domestic refining capacity and reducing dependence on imported refined petroleum products.

Dr Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Additional Secretary (Admin, ICT and Middle East), Economic Relations Division, Ministry of Finance, signed on behalf of the Government of Bangladesh, and Anasse Aissami, Director General, Country Operations, signed on behalf of the IsDB. The signing ceremony was witnessed by HE Tarique Rahman; HE Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, and HE Dr Al Jasser.

The US$2.5 B project comprises approximately US$1 B in IsDB financing and around US$1.5 B in contributions (including taxes, customs duty, and value-added taxes or VAT) from the government of Bangladesh.

Expected to be completed in five years, it will add 3 million metric tons of annual refining capacity, raising the refinery's total capacity to 4.5 million metric tons per annum.

The expansion will strengthen Bangladesh's energy security by increasing domestic refining capacity and reducing dependence on imported refined petroleum products. Local refining of imported crude oil is expected to save about US$394 million in foreign exchange each year.

"Today's signing marks a major milestone in IsDB's longstanding partnership with Bangladesh. By expanding domestic refining capacity, the Eastern Refinery project will strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on imported refined petroleum products, and support cleaner fuel standards. This financing will help build greater economic resilience and deliver lasting benefits for businesses, workers, farmers, and households across Bangladesh," said H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser.

The upgraded refinery will process a broader range of crude oils and produce 15 types of refined petroleum products. It is expected to support a 5% reduction in the cost of major petroleum products and enable production to meet Euro 5 standards, replacing the current Euro 2 grade.

AAOIFI Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) 53 is released

Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions’ (AAOIFI’s) Accounting Board (AAB) has officially issued Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) 53, Istisna-Based Development Contracts. The standard, along with FAS 52 Deferred Delivery Sales: Salam and Istisna issued earlier this year, supersedes FAS 10 Istisna’a and Parallel Istisna’a which was identified for revision and improvement as a result of a AAOIFI FASs review and revision project initiated by the board.

FAS 53 Istisna-Based Development Contracts prescribes the accounting and financial reporting principles applicable to the developers and customers of istisna (اِسْتِثْنَاء)-based development contracts. The standard improves on its predecessor in several aspects, inter alia, by way of aligning better with the newer standards and generally accepted accounting principles, by providing counter-party accounting in line with AAOIFI’s revised standard-setting strategy and by simplifying the treatment of istisna-based development contracts.

Hamad Al Oqab, Chairman of AAB stated: “The continued growth and development of the Islamic finance industry requires accounting standards that remain responsive to evolving business models, transactions and market practices. The board being cognisant of the same has revised the standard for istisna contracts to strengthen transparency and disclosure practice for the Islamic finance industry.

“The board greatly appreciates the valuable contribution of its members, the working group and the AAOIFI Secretariat in the development of robust accounting standards.”

Omar Mustafa Ansari, Secretary General of AAOIFI said: “The issuance of this revised standard is an important milestone in AAOIFI’s ongoing comprehensive review and revision of its FASs. It reflects our commitment to ensuring that AAOIFI’s standards continue to serve the evolving needs of the Islamic finance industry while promoting greater consistency, transparency and comparability in financial reporting. 

"We believe that the revised standard will contribute to enhancing the quality of accounting practices relating to Istisna-based development contracts and promote their usage by Islamic financial institutions globally.” 

The standard can be accessed on the AAOIFI website.

OIC launches training on cultural diplomacy, leadership development

A training course on Youth, Cultural Diplomacy, and Leadership Development began 3 September, 2026, at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah.

The course was organised by the OIC General Secretariat and is chaired by the Ministry of Sports of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which holds the presidency of the Islamic Conference of Youth and Sports Ministers (ICYSM). The event coincided with OIC Youth Day, which the OIC celebrates annually on September 3.

The Secretary-General of the OIC, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, affirmed that youth currently constitute more than 28% of the population of OIC member states, noting that this percentage is expected to reach 30.7% by 2030. The speech, delivered on his behalf by the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian, Cultural, and Social Affairs, Ambassador Tariq Ali Bakheet, stated that Youth Cultural Diplomacy is not an intellectual luxury but rather a practical tool for developing young people’s capacity to build bridges, promote dialogue, counter misguided ideologies and violent extremism, and disseminate the values of tolerance and moderation.

The speech further explained that among the most important objectives of the training programme are training and enhancing the capabilities of young people in cultural diplomacy and leadership development, providing them with an opportunity to discuss issues related to youth empowerment, and familiarising them with the OIC’s efforts in this field.

IsDB prices US$1.5 B sukuk

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has raised US$1.5 B through its second benchmark sukuk issuance of the year. The USD-denominated sukuk transaction follows its highly successful first US$ benchmark earlier in May.

The bank, rated Aaa/AAA/AAA by S&P, Moody’s and Fitch (all with 'Stable Outlook') priced the five-year trust certificates under its US$25 B Trust Certificate Issuance Programme.

The joint lead managers for this issuance were Bank of China (BOC), Barclays, BMO Capital Markets, China International Capital Corporation (CICC), Goldman Sachs International, HSBC, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), KFH Capital, NATIXIS, Société Générale.

The bank transaction was announced on 1 September with initial pricing thoughts (IPTs) at US$ secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) mid swap (SOFR MS) plus 50 basis points (bps) area. Despite market volatility, strong investor demand helped the bank build indications of interest (IOIs) in excess of ~US$2 B at market open on 2 September.

On the back of this strong momentum, the bank opened the books, revising guidance to US$ SOFR MS plus 48 bps area and continued to attract high-quality orders from institutional investors. At 12 pm London time, the order book had been valued in excess of US$2.75 B, surpassing the previous highest amount of US$2.65 B that the bank achieved in May 2026.

The bank maintained the level and set final terms with a spread at SOFR MS plus 48 bps, i.e. two bps tighter than IPTs and set final size at its target US$1.5 B. This led to the profit rate for the sukuk being set at 4.781% for investors, payable on a semi-annual basis and priced at par.

The transaction attracted strong participation from central banks and official institutions accounting for 51% of the book, followed by banks and private banks (38%) and asset/fund managers (12%). Final allocations were well diversified, with 39% from the Middle East and Africa, as well as a high degree of participation from international investors, including 13% from Asia.

The bank will deploy the proceeds of the sukuk issuance towards project financing across the bank’s eligible member countries in line with its Strategic Framework, which delivers sustainable socioeconomic growth for all.

Malaysia, Bangladesh further healthcare cooperation

The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) will be working with Bangladeshi health authorities, healthcare institutions and professionals throughout MYMT2026 to establish durable, mutually-beneficial partnerships that strengthen healthcare cooperation between Malaysia and Bangladesh.

Under Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 (MYMT2026), themed Healing Meets Hospitality, MHTC has plans to expand its engagement in Bangladesh. Some approaches include potential healthcare awareness and educational programmes, participation by Malaysian healthcare institutions in relevant initiatives, specialist consultation and second-opinion programmes, and government-to-government and institutional engagements.

A delegation from MHTC, led by HE Mohd Shuhada Othman, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Bangladesh, recently met with HE Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain, Honourable Minister of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh to further advance healthcare cooperation between Malaysia and Bangladesh.

The engagement was part of MHTC's working visit and engagement in Bangladesh from 17 to 20 August 2026 and builds on the momentum generated by the official visit of the Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Bangladesh to Malaysia on 22 June 2026. During the June visit, the leaders of both countries had been optimistic about expanding bilateral cooperation in the healthcare sector, particularly in conjunction with MYMT2026.

The current meeting explored avenues for closer collaboration in healthcare and medical tourism, while further strengthening the longstanding and friendly relations between Malaysia and Bangladesh. This commitment is underpinned by growing demand, MHTC said. Healthcare travel revenue from Bangladeshi healthcare travellers to Malaysia rose from RM2.2 million in Q125 to RM2.7 million in Q126, representing a 22.7% increase and highlighting the growing potential of Bangladesh as an important market for Malaysian healthcare.

"Malaysia and Bangladesh have built more than five decades of partnership, and in June our leaders agreed to extend that partnership into healthcare. Our responsibility now is to translate that commitment into practical cooperation, not only in healthcare travel, but in the exchange of skills, standards and knowledge that strengthens both our systems," said Dato' Suriaghandi Suppiah, CEO, MHTC.

The Honourable Minister emphasised the importance of making Malaysian healthcare more accessible and affordable to the wider population in Bangladesh, including through competitive pricing and, where possible, special packages. He also stressed the importance of establishing clear and effective communication channels between patients and hospitals to ensure a smooth healthcare journey. Malaysia's combination of medical excellence, accessibility, and a Muslim-friendly environment, supported by high safety standards, specialised healthcare services, and Malaysian hospitality, provides a strong foundation for meeting these needs, he said.

Malaysia's established healthcare ecosystem, regulated under the Ministry of Health Malaysia, together with its patient-centred approach, further provides patients and their families with confidence throughout their healthcare journey.

Representing Irving Aviation, MHTC's local partner in Bangladesh, HBM Lutfur Rahman highlighted the benefits that Malaysian healthcare can offer Bangladeshi patients, including access to experienced specialists and established medical institutions, as well as Malaysia's Muslim-friendly environment, halal food, and renowned hospitality.

Chipotle to open first restaurant in KSA

Chipotle Mexican Grill is to open its first restaurant in KSA later this month in partnership with Alshaya Group, a leading international franchise retail operator. Located at Sidra, the premier dining destination in Riyadh next to the Granada Mall, the restaurant marks another milestone in the company's international growth strategy.

The Riyadh restaurant will serve Chipotle's menu of burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas and salads, all made with responsibly-sourced, classically-cooked real ingredients and prepared in an open kitchen. Guests will be able to customise their meals with a choice of proteins, rice, beans, salsas, toppings and Chipotle's signature hand-mashed guacamole.

"We're pleased to introduce Chipotle to guests in Saudi Arabia for the first time," said Nate Lawton, Chief Business Development Officer at Chipotle.

"Expanding into the kingdom advances our international growth strategy and provides a compelling opportunity to serve one of the Middle East's most dynamic consumer markets. Riyadh is home to one of the region's leading shopping and leisure destinations, making it an exceptional place to introduce our brand to both local guests and international visitors. Together with Alshaya Group, we look forward to delivering the distinctive Chipotle experience and establishing a strong long-term presence in the country."

The opening builds on Chipotle's continued expansion in partnership with Alshaya Group. Since 2024, Chipotle has opened 16 restaurants across the Middle East, including seven in the UAE, seven in Kuwait and two in Qatar.

Jeff Kellen, President, Hospitality division at Alshaya Group, said: "Since its launch in the region over two years ago, Chipotle has surpassed all expectations to become one of our most loved brands. Knowing how eagerly consumers in KSA have awaited its arrival, we look forward to meeting their expectations with Chipotle's delicious, fresh, and real-ingredient menu."

Chipotle currently operates more than 4,200 restaurants worldwide and expects to open between 350 and 370 new restaurants in 2026 as it continues to execute its "Recipe for Growth" strategy, including a target of operating 7,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada.

Chipotle's business development group, led by Lawton, continues to evaluate strategic opportunities to accelerate the company's global expansion through partnerships, joint ventures and development agreements. Information on submitting a proposal can be found at https://ir.chipotle.com/contact-us

Labuan IBFC, ASA and STEP further discussion on Islamic wealth management

Labuan IBFC, the official marketing agency for Labuan International Business and Financial Centre (Labuan IBFC), together with the Association of Shariah Advisors in Islamic Finance Malaysia (ASAS) and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Malaysia recently brought together industry practitioners and experts to explore the intersection of Islamic wealth planning, estate administration and shari'ah governance, with a focus on cross-border wealth management and family governance. 

The event built on the partnership established through the memorandum of understanding between Labuan IBFC and ASAS, while further strengthening engagement with STEP Malaysia and the wider professional community. Discussions covered estate administration beyond faraid, shari'ah estate administration governance, succession planning and the use of trusts, takaful and other wealth structures. 

Ben Quah, CEO of Labuan IBFC highlighted Labuan IBFC's role as a platform for Islamic private wealth planning and cross-border wealth solutions in a keynote address. "As wealth becomes increasingly global, families need flexible solutions that offer asset protection and long-term continuity. 

"Labuan IBFC is well positioned to meet these needs while complementing Malaysia's leadership in Islamic private wealth through strong ecosystem collaboration," he said. 

The programme opened with Beyond Faraid – The Real Challenges in Muslim Estate Administration, examining practical challenges in estate administration while exploring solutions to translate succession intentions into effective estate planning. This was followed by a dialogue which explored how effective governance and proper documentation can help ensure wealth planning arrangements are implemented consistently with shari'ah requirements. 

In her welcome address, Farah Deba, Branch Chair of STEP Malaysia said: "Beyond faraid means faraid is only one part of estate planning. However, this does not mean planning beyond Islamic principles. We come from three different perspectives - where STEP speaks as advisors to families across generations while Labuan IBFC brings the international family wealth and structuring dimension, whereas ASAS brings the core shari'ah perspective." 

In her closing remarks, Yusaini Yusof, EXCO member of ASAS emphasised: "Shari'ah governance ensures that the legacy is properly structured, successfully implemented and ultimately serves maqasid shari'ah. ASAS shall continue to support this journey for greater engagements and increased professionalism of the wider shari'ah fraternity and practitioners." 

Maqasid (مقاصد) refers to goals and intents.

New at SIAL Guangzhou: a Halal Food Village

Source: Comexposium-SIAL Exhibition Company. Poster for SIAL Guangzhou.

 

New initiatives planned for SIAL Guangzhou in 2026 include a Halal Food Village, reflecting rising demand from Muslim consumers across Southeast Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East as well as growing interest from retailers and foodservice operators looking for certified products with international potential. 

The village will showcase halal-certified products from China's major Muslim food-producing regions, including Xinjiang and Gansu, alongside international exhibitors and country pavilions, including from Thailand. 

With Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Gulf markets continuing to expand on halal food imports that respond to mainstream expectations around quality, convenience and innovation, the segment is expected to become one of the exhibition's fastest-growing categories. 

According to the organisers, the halal category also overlaps with clean labelling, traceability, premiumisation and food safety, all themes that resonate beyond Muslim-majority markets. 

Taking place from 3 to 5 September 2026 at the Guangzhou Poly World Trade Center Expo, SIAL in Guangzhou arrives at a time when international buyers, distributors and retail procurement teams are looking more closely at supplier reliability, product differentiation and faster access to Asian growth markets.

The event is expanding to four exhibition halls this year, hosting over 1,500 exhibitors across 15 sectors. The ambition is to make South China’s edition a more prominent international sourcing platform, especially for buyers seeking export-ready Chinese suppliers and Asian market insight in the same place.

Details

SIAL Guangzhou 2026 | 3–5 September | Guangzhou Poly World Trade Center Expo, Guangzhou, China

Register at https://dwz.cn/I3xC9VAY

 

Uzbekistan's heritage takes centrestage at the first International Forum of Islamic Civilization

The President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has called for greater investment in education, stronger scientific cooperation, and the promotion of religious tolerance as essential responses to rising global conflict, extremism, and Islamophobia. Mirziyoyev made the remarks at the first International Forum of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan on July 7.

The forum, organised by the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, reflects Uzbekistan's growing role as a centre of Islamic scholarship and intercultural dialogue while advancing the concept of Islamic enlightenment. Islamic enlightenment was first introduced by President Mirziyoyev during the 72nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2017.

In a message read at the Forum's opening ceremony, President Mirziyoyev noted that despite unprecedented scientific and technological progress, the world is facing growing geopolitical tensions, declining trust between nations, and increasing attempts to deepen divisions between cultures and religions. "In these challenging times, noble ideals, including Islamic values, remain the most important and enduring foundations of peace, social progress, harmony and enlightenment," he said.

The President stressed that Islam has historically encouraged scientific inquiry, education, artistic development, and intellectual discovery, rejecting the notion that religion is incompatible with modern progress. He paid tribute to the enduring contributions of Central Asia's great scholars, including Muhammad al-Khwarizmi, Abu Rayhan al-Biruni, Ibn Sina, and Mirzo Ulugh Beg, whose achievements transformed mathematics, medicine, astronomy, and philosophy and continue to shape global science today.

Delivering greetings on behalf of the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, His Virtue Professor Dr Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims' Board, Chairman of the Qazi Council (Fetwa institution) of the CMB, and Sheikh ul-Islam of Caucasus, described Uzbekistan as "a beacon of Islamic knowledge for centuries" and praised the country's efforts to preserve and promote its rich intellectual heritage.

Themed The Path of Peace, Tolerance and Enlightenment, the forum brought together more than 450 participants from over 50 countries and examined the contribution of Islamic civilisation to peace, tolerance, enlightenment, and intercultural dialogue. It also underscores Uzbekistan's commitment to preserving its intellectual heritage while expanding international cooperation in science, education, and cultural exchange.

In 2017, President Mirziyoyev said that the principles of peace, tolerance, and enlightenment at the heart of Islam are universal values capable of uniting societies rather than dividing them. He called for combating extremism and Islamophobia through enlightenment, science, and culture, laying the foundation for a state policy based on the principle of Enlightenment Against Ignorance.

Over the years, Uzbekistan has established a modern cultural, educational, scientific, and academic infrastructure that supports the comprehensive study, preservation, and promotion of the intellectual heritage of Islamic civilisation. The cornerstone of these efforts is the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, which brings together research, museum activities, educational initiatives, and international cooperation within a single complex.

"As Forum participants have noted, the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan is becoming a platform for shaping a new international agenda for humanitarian cooperation based on knowledge, enlightenment, mutual respect, and trust. The Forum concluded with agreements to launch numerous joint research initiatives, international expeditions, educational programmes, digital manuscript preservation projects, and other major cultural initiatives aimed at strengthening peace, mutual understanding, and dialogue among civilisations," said Dr Firdavs Abdukhalikov, Director of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan.

During the event, delegates discussed preserving and studying Islamic manuscripts and cultural heritage, applying digital technologies and AI to historical research, expanding international academic cooperation, and exploring the relevance of Islamic intellectual traditions in addressing today's global challenges.

The Forum also served as a platform for presenting new publications, launching major cultural and scientific initiatives, signing international cooperation agreements, and adopting the Declaration of the First International Forum of Islamic Civilization,, which outlined a shared vision for future collaboration in promoting the universal values of Islamic civilisation.

Among the Forum's flagship events are international conferences dedicated to the scholarly legacy of Imam al-Bukhari, Imam al-Maturidi, and Imam al-Tirmidhi, highlighting the influence of their works on the development of Islamic thought and world civilisation.