UAE’s Islamic finance and halal industry poised for robust growth

The UAE continues to cement its status as a leading global hub for Islamic finance and the halal industry, aligned with a comprehensive development vision aimed at diversifying the national economy and enhancing global competitiveness.

Backed by forward-thinking government policies, a modern regulatory framework, and cutting-edge financial and industrial infrastructure, both sectors are witnessing dynamic growth. The UAE is investing heavily in a knowledge- and innovation-based economy, with Islamic finance and halal products playing key roles in this transformation.

In May, the UAE launched a national strategy for Islamic finance and halal industry development. The plan sets out to create an integrated ecosystem for Islamic financial activities, including banking, Takaful (Islamic insurance), Sukuk (Islamic bonds), and non-banking financial services-aligned with international best practices and standards.

According to February data from the Central Bank of the UAE, Islamic banks now account for approximately 18 per cent of total banking assets and 22.8 per cent of total credit within the national banking sector.

The Islamic Sukuk market, in particular, has expanded significantly. Notably, the federal government launch of the dirham-denominated Islamic Treasury Sukuk (T-Sukuk) in 2023, signaling a new era for the sector.

The UAE is now recognised as one of the world’s largest Sukuk listing centres. As of May, Sukuk listed on Nasdaq Dubai exceeded $95.7 billion, reinforcing the country’s position as a global hub for Sharia-compliant fixed-income instruments.

In the 2023, the country was ranked fourth globally in Islamic financial markets by assets, according to the 2023 Islamic Finance Development Indicator based on total assets.

Jamal Saleh, Director-General of the UAE Banks Federation (UBF), noted that the strategy outlines ambitious goals to elevate the Islamic economy’s role both domestically, regionally, and internationally.

In statements to the Emirates News Agency, Saleh highlighted the UAE’s successful development of financial systems that have empowered the Islamic banking sector as part of the nation’s broader diversification agenda.

He pointed to significant strides in Islamic banking, Sukuk issuance, and broader Sharia-compliant finance. Saleh also noted the sector’s impressive growth trajectory. As of February 2025, total credit granted by Islamic banks reached Dhs503.5 billion, a 16 per cent year-on-year increase. Private sector credit alone stood at Dhs350.4 billion, growing 13.2 per cent annually. Meanwhile, deposits at Islamic banks surged to Dhs595.3 billion, marking an annual growth rate of 16.9 per cent.

Parallel to its financial achievements, the UAE is asserting itself as a global halal industry hub. Under the newly approved national strategy, the UAE aims to increase halal exports from Dhs74 billion to Dhs315 billion by 2031, leveraging its strategic location and world-class infrastructure.

Saleh Lootah, Chairman of the UAE Food and Beverage Manufacturers Group, in statements to WAM, said that the strategy is a landmark step toward establishing the UAE as a global halal production centre. He highlighted growing local manufacturer interest in expanding into this vital sector, particularly as global demand for halal products accelerates.

According to a report by Bonafide Research on the halal food and beverage market in the UAE, the market size is projected to exceed $31.27 billion by 2029. This growth reflects the increasing demand for halal-certified products, both within the country and globally, as consumers become more conscious of dietary and ethical standards.

The UAE’s strategic location as a global trade and tourism hub plays a key role in driving this expansion. Its position enhances the country’s appeal to both local and international consumers seeking trusted halal-certified goods, reinforcing the UAE’s reputation as a leading centre for halal commerce.

Meanwhile the Islamic finance sector in the UAE benefits from a dynamic economic environment and advanced regulatory policies that support Sharia-compliant financial activities.

Since the establishment of the UAE’s first Islamic bank in 1975, the sector has grown significantly over the decades, becoming a fundamental pillar of the national economy. The industry encompasses Islamic banks, Islamic windows in conventional banks, and sukuk (Islamic bonds), which have witnessed rapid growth in both domestic and international markets.

The UAE is committed to developing economic policies and legislation to enhance Islamic finance and the broader Islamic economy. These efforts align with national objectives to ensure sustainable economic growth and establish the UAE as a global hub for the Islamic economy.

WAM