Doha, Qatar - The 11th Doha Islamic Finance Conference is set to take place on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, focusing on the theme "Integration of Blockchain and AI: The Future of Islamic Finance." The event will gather global experts, government representatives, financial institutions, and academics to explore the evolving landscape of Islamic finance and the transformative potential of emerging technologies.

Exploring the Intersection of Technology and Islamic Finance

The conference, organized by Bait Al-Mashura Finance Consultations, under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, will delve into various aspects of how blockchain and artificial intelligence can be integrated into Islamic financial practices. Discussions will cover the impact of AI on Sharia rulings, smart contracts, and regulatory frameworks, ensuring compliance with Islamic jurisprudence.

Key Topics and Workshops

The agenda includes specialized workshops focusing on critical areas:

• Takaful 3.0: This workshop will explore how blockchain technology can develop and scale Takaful, an Islamic form of insurance based on mutual cooperation. It will examine innovative models and present real-world use cases like The LifeDAO, a decentralized autonomous organization for life insurance.
• Integration in the Islamic Economy: Bitcoin and AI as a Model: This session will analyze Bitcoin's role within the Islamic economy, its Sharia compliance, and the challenges and opportunities of integrating it into Islamic finance. It will also explore the applications of smart contracts and the potential for a seamless integration of Bitcoin, AI, and the Islamic economy to create a digital Islamic financial system.

High-Level Speakers and Participants

The conference will feature a keynote address by Professor Dr. Koutoub Moustapha Sano, Secretary General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy, alongside other distinguished speakers. These include HE Executive Board Member and Managing Director of Dukhan Bank Sheikh Muhammed bin Hamad bin Jassim Al-Thani, HE Undersecretary Khalid bin Muhammed bin Ghanem Al-Thani, and Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of Doha Islamic Finance Conference Professor Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti. 

Experts will also discuss topics such as decentralized AI in deriving Sharia rulings, the legal framework for incorporating blockchain and AI in Islamic banking, Sharia rulings on managing smart endowments, and the role of AI and blockchain in ensuring security and privacy in financial transactions.

Significance for Islamic Finance

The conference underscores the growing recognition of the importance of technological advancements in enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and security of Islamic finance. By exploring the integration of blockchain and AI, the event aims to foster innovative solutions that align with Sharia principles and promote the sustainable growth of the Islamic financial sector on a global scale.

The discussions are expected to provide actionable insights for industry leaders, policymakers, and academics, contributing to the development of regulatory frameworks and technological strategies that will shape the future of Islamic finance in the digital era.

About Islamic Finance

Islamic finance operates based on Sharia law, which prohibits the charging or payment of interest (Riba), investment in unethical businesses (e.g., alcohol, gambling, pork), and speculation (Gharar). Key principles include profit and loss sharing, ethical investments, asset-backed financing, and promoting financial justice and inclusion. Islamic financial institutions offer various Sharia-compliant products and services, emphasizing partnership, transparency, and risk-sharing between lenders and borrowers. The global Islamic finance industry has seen significant growth and is projected to continue expanding, highlighting its increasing importance in the global financial landscape.