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Published in June 2009, this map provides an overview of global Islamic finance markets. Charts and graphics include Sharia-compliant financial assets by country (Dec 2007), Takaful operators by country (2008), Leading Islamic banks by asset values (Dec 2007), and Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) inter-regional trade

GSN lists some – but not by any means all – of the key players operating in the industry

In an interview with GSN, AAOIFI secretary general Mohammed Al-Chaar talks about the Bahrain-based institution’s role, the latest developments and industry trends.

List detailing sukuk transactions in 2009

With conventional bank funding drying up, sovereign and corporate issuers are tapping the Islamic bond market to fund expansion. Bahrain has just launched an issue that was eight times over-subscribed. But in the longer term, the sukuk industry’s credibility will depend on improving market transparency

President Bashar Al-Assad issued a decree on 3 June naming General Hassan Ali Turkmani assistant vice president. The US Navy is to take over the former commercial port at Mina Salman.

Kuwait’s largest telecoms operator has gained a majority stake in the Palestine Telecommunication Company (Paltel) as part of an expansion plan. Showing the depressed mood in the Gulf, even large family businesses are looking away from their traditional home markets. International law firm Trowers & Hamlins has advised the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland on the development and financing of a large scale specialist healthcare project in Muharraq.

King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa on 17 May received United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon at Gudaibiya Palace.

In the project finance market, signals have been mixed. On the one hand, the Saudi market has been through a dour time, not least in its cancellation of the $5.5bn-$6bn Ras Al-Zour independent water and power project (IWPP) as a private sector development after the original bid winner, Malaysia’s Malakoff, failed to come up with financing and decided to withdraw.

Rarely do GCC disputes get more public, and it will take more than warm words from Riyadh to win back the Al-Nahyan into the currency union fold. For Abu Dhabi, bank location is the deal-breaker

While the Middle East has weathered the global recession better than most regions, the regional dynamics have altered, with the more highly leveraged economies such as Dubai losing ground to more conservative and resource-rich players, led by Saudi Arabia.

Bahrain’s King has earned a breathing space, but only real concessions can defuse the impact of a soon to be launched extra-parliamentary alliance with political and religious appeal.

When launched in Q1 10 the new Bahrain Financial Exchange (BFX) will offer to members a platform to trade multiple asset classes including capital

The central bank’s prudent regulation has helped to keep the domestic banking sector in a relatively solid shape, but a prolonged downturn in the region, particularly in real estate markets, could lead to an uncomfortable situation.

ADIC eyes MENA private equity deals; Bahrain banks consolidate their positions; Kuwait enters Palestine telecoms sector; Vodafone Qatar to sell a 40% stake in April IPO