Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank joins Oasis, Permal and National Investment Company to sponsor Second Annual Islamic Fund Awards in Dubai

ADIB joins key international sponsors Oasis Crescent Capital (DIFC) Ltd, in association with Oasis Global Management Company (Ireland) Ltd, Permal Investment Management Services (Alfanar Funds) and National Investments Company (NIC). The Failaka Islamic Fund Awards stand apart as the benchmark for achievement in the fast-growing field of Shari'a-compliant fund management.

"We are very pleased to enjoy the support of some of the region's leading Islamic bankers and asset managers including ADIB, NIC, Oasis and Permal," said Mark Smyth, MD, Failaka Advisors. "Islamic finance is a growing sector and currently valued globally at US$14 billion. Each of our sponsors has a proven track record in this sector and a strong commitment to promote Shari'a-compliant funds in each of their market segments. Our annual ceremony aims to recognise the leading international players in this space."

Noor Imambeck, General Manager, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank said, "We are pleased to sponsor the Failaka Islamic Fund Awards. It is in line with our mission to become the premier universal Islamic financial institution, operating in accordance with Shari'a principles, by sharply focusing on customer needs, offering innovative products and services, motivating and rewarding our employees, and using state-of-the-art service delivery systems, while maximizing investors and shareholders' returns."

"NIC's association with the Annual Failaka Islamic Fund awards is a sign of our commitment and dedication to upholding our responsibility towards our clients, shareholders and employees and our growth as a top-tier investment house in Kuwait," said Hamad Ahmed Al-Ameeri, Deputy General Manager, National Investments Company. "The key to our success is our continuous focus on creating value by offering unique and diversified investment opportunities, delivering superior returns and providing service excellence."

"Oasis is proud to be associated with Failaka's initiatives in recognising performance excellence in the Islamic Fund arena," commented Adam Ebrahim, CEO and Chief Investment Officer, Oasis Group Holding. "Failaka's 2nd annual awards come at an exciting time for the Oasis Group, which has just opened its offices in the DIFC. Our Crescent Global Equity Fund is a testimony to our commitment to the global growth of Islamic funds."

Ahmed Nashaat, Regional Director, Permal Investment Management Services Ltd, added, "As one of the oldest and largest global Islamic equity fund groups, we at Alfanar Funds are proud to sponsor the second annual Failaka Islamic Funds Awards. In collaboration with our joint-venture partner SEDCO (Saudi Economic & Development Company), it has been our privilege to contribute to the mission of education and innovation in the Islamic finance industry. We look forward to our continued commitment and contributions in the future."

Failaka Advisors has become the recognized leader in the field of Islamic funds research. Harvard University's Islamic Financial Information Program (HIFIP) was the first organization to license Failaka's fund research. Its cornerstone product is the Failaka Islamic Fund Review, which compiles information from a comprehensive database on the world's Shari'a-compliant equity funds. Data users include fund managers, rating agencies, and universities.