QU Signs MOU to Establish Initiatives on Islamic Banking

Doha, December 11 (QNA) - Qatar University (QU) College of Sharia and Islamic Studies (CSIS) signed an agreement with the Company of Research Studies & Consulting in Islamic Banking to establish a cooperative relationship for enhancing scientific research and personnel training in Islamic banking. The agreement was signed by QU President Prof Sheikha Al Misnad and Chairman of Trustees for Research Studies & Consulting in Islamic Banking HE Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani bin Abdullah al-Thani in the presence of CSIS Dean Dr Abdul Hakeem Alkhelaifi, CEO of Qatar International Islamic Bank Abdul Basit Ahmed al-Shaibei and CSIS faculty. The College will benefit from the agreement with the establishment of a professorial position in Islamic Banking; training of undergraduate and graduate students; annual seminars on Islamic banking; and support for the establishment of a scientific journal on Islamic financial transactions. Prof Al Misnad thanked Sheikh Al-Thani and al-Shaibei for their generous support and for their efforts to bridge the relationship between academic institutions and banking firms in Qatar. "This agreement is just the beginning of a long-term collaboration that will benefit our students and the society as well", she said. In his remarks, Sheikh Al-Thani said: "It is a great opportunity to express our deep thanks and respect for QU which provides ultimate support and assistance to establish this cooperative agreement. We are also thankful to those in charge of College of Sharia and Islamic Studies, which plays a prominent role in various aspects of Islamic economics in general and Islamic banking in particular. We hope that this agreement will be a qualitative addition to the efforts of the scientific, research and practical application of the principle of partnership between private enterprise and the leading national educational institutions. This will have positive results on various activities associated with the various elements of Islamic economics theory and practice". He also stated that the agreement was just the beginning of long-term cooperation and coordination in multi-directional efforts at supporting the national economy. Dr Alkhelaifi noted that the College is considering the establishment of a new minor in the field of Islamic banking and insurance. "This field is an important one that needs more research and investigative efforts. I believe that such an initiative will play a great role in promoting the College and QU as well", he said. Al-Shaibei expressed his thanks to QU for supporting the idea of bridging the gap between the academic and private sectors in Qatar. (QNA)