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UOB Holds 5th International Conference on Sustainable Islamic Business and Finance
120 Research Papers Explore the Future of Islamic Finance in the Digital Age
UOB Holds 5th International Conference on Sustainable Islamic Business and Finance
The University of Bahrain (UOB) held its 5th International Conference on Sustainable Islamic Business and Finance on 9-10 December 2025, under the theme “Islamic Finance and the Digital Economy: Navigating the Intersection of Technology, Ethics, and Sustainability.”
In her opening address on behalf of the UOB President, Dr. Hessa Jassim Al-Junaid, Vice President for Academic Affairs, highlighted the conference’s established role as a cornerstone for dialogue among scholars, specialized experts, and industry leaders shaping the future of Islamic finance. She noted the strong scholarly engagement, with 120 papers submitted, and underscored how Islamic finance provides an ethical framework for sustainable development. Dr. Al-Junaid further emphasized the University’s institutional support through its Deanship of Graduate Studies & Scientific Research and College of Business Administration in maintaining academic rigor and preparing skilled graduates for the sector.
The conference was held under the platinum sponsorship of Bank Al Salam, the gold sponsorship of Bahrain Islamic Bank (BISB), and the technical sponsorship of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). It was jointly organized by the Deanship of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research and the College of Business Administration at the University of Bahrain, in partnership with the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) and Lancaster University.
Sheikh Dr. Nedham Yaqoobi, Chairman and member of several International Sharia Supervisory Boards, underscored the timeliness of the conference theme. He reflected on Bahrain’s historic vision, established in the 1970s, that positioned it as a pioneering hub for Islamic finance, stressing the sector’s global growth potential and the critical need for scholarly diligence in the digital age.
From his side, Mr. Mohammed Buhijji, Chief Retail Banking Officer at Al Salam Bank, emphasized the conference’s role in advancing the sector. “Supporting initiatives of this nature is integral to our responsibility toward the sector, helping to drive innovation forward and reinforce the kingdom’s position as a leading hub for Islamic finance, ” he stated.
A key panel discussion was presented on “Advancing Research in Islamic Finance in the Digital Era”. Additionally, Haitham Alhaddad, Head of Digital Channels at AlSalam Bank, presented an industry workshop titled “Sustainable Impact: Leveraging Technology for Financial Freedom.”
The conference’s parallel sessions featured 120 research papers presented by academics and experts from all around the world. The research addressed critical and emerging themes at the intersection of technology and ethics, such as Fintech, blockchain, digital transformation, and the implications of the Metaverse for Islamic finance. Additional sessions explored sustainable business models, ethics, governance, and the impact of regulatory frameworks on the industry’s growth.
The conference concluded by affirming the commitment of the University of Bahrain and its regional and international partners to continue supporting scientific research and developing innovative solutions in the field of Islamic finance, thereby enhancing its role in building a more equitable and sustainable digital economy. The participants praised the outstanding organization and the scholarly environment provided by the conference, emphasizing that its outcomes will help guide future research and shape policies to develop the Islamic finance sector both locally and globally. The announcement was also made of a number of research initiatives and academic partnerships that the university will continue to work on as part of its strategy to strengthen its position as a leading hub for knowledge and innovation in the region.
