Sheikh Abdulla bin Fahad Al Thani, Chairman of Dukhan Bank, delivered a keynote address that emphasised the transformative role of fintech, particularly blockchain and AI, in Islamic banking.
The 11th Doha Islamic Finance Conference, under the patronage of Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, officially kicked off on Tuesday with the theme “Integration of Blockchain and AI: The Future of Islamic Finance.”
The event, a key platform for advancing Islamic finance, highlighted Qatar’s leadership in the sector and its potential for continued growth through innovation.
Sheikh Abdulla bin Fahad Al Thani, Chairman of Dukhan Bank, delivered a keynote address that emphasised the transformative role of fintech, particularly blockchain and AI, in Islamic banking.
He explained how AI is enhancing financial forecasting, improving risk analysis, and personalising banking services, while blockchain is creating secure, transparent environments for operational continuity and smart contract management.
He also highlighted Dukhan Bank’s record performance, reporting a net profit of QR 1.34 billion in 2024, driven by innovative digital solutions and an expanding customer base.
Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Mohammed Al Thani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Endowments, discussed the rapid advancement of AI and its expected integration across various sectors. He stressed the importance of the conference in setting standards for AI quality control, error resolution, and the delineation of responsibilities, especially within the context of Islamic finance.
Dr Koutoub Sano, Secretary-General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, also addressed the growing opportunities AI and blockchain present for Islamic finance.
“Islamic finance strikes a balance between tradition and innovation, fostering ethical economic growth while ensuring transparency,” he said.
“Blockchain and AI offer new possibilities to elevate the sector to new heights.”
Prof Dr Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, Chairman of the Higher Organising Committee, emphasised that the integration of blockchain and AI is one of the most significant trends shaping the future of Islamic finance.
“These technologies offer smart solutions while staying true to Sharia principles,” he stated.
The conference, which has become a prominent event in the global Islamic finance calendar, was attended by key figures including Sheikh Faisal bin Thani Al Thani, Minister of Commerce and Industry; Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanim, Minister of Endowments; and Yousuf Mohamed Al Jaida, CEO of Qatar Financial Centre.
Organised by Bait Al Mashura, a leading financial consultancy firm in Qatar, the event has been instrumental in shaping the future of Islamic finance since its inception in 2010.
The conference serves as a crucial forum for bringing together scholars, financial institutions, and government entities, fostering innovation in Islamic finance while maintaining adherence to Sharia principles.
This year’s conference aligns with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, focusing on integrating modern technologies into Islamic finance to ensure its growth, sustainability, and ethical practices in the global financial landscape.
