College of Islamic Studies CIS Hamad Bin Khalifa University Hamad Bin Khalifa University

Continuing to cement itself as a leading point of reference for research on Islamic finance, the College of Islamic Studies (CIS) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Qatar FinTech Hub (QFTH).

Through the agreement, CIS and QFTH will engage and contribute actively to the development of the financial technology (FinTech) industry in Qatar. HBKU will also provide inputs and opinions on matters relating to the industry and participate in key events hosted by QFTH. 

Mr. Ibrahim Abdulaziz Al Mannai, Executive Director of Advisory and Incubation at Qatar Development Bank (QDB) said: “Qatar Fintech Hub’s partnership with the College of Islamic Studies at Hamad Bin Khalifa University comes in line with our ongoing efforts to work closely with local and international partners in developing a thriving FinTech ecosystem in Qatar. Our partnership with the leading research university in Qatar will also contribute to the formation of a new generation of both early-stage and mature FinTech startups and entrepreneurs in the country, and it is certainly an important step towards reiterating Qatar’s position as a leading international FinTech hub in the region.”

QFTH represents a range of stakeholders in the industry from early-stage firms to large financial services companies and relevant service providers, who stand to benefit from CIS’ insights and research. The Fintech Hackathon, which was launched in June 2020, is one of the pioneering areas of collaboration between CIS and QFTH. 

Dr. Emad El-Din Shahin, Interim Provost of HBKU and Dean of CIS, said: “We are thrilled to be working alongside QFTH to engage and help develop the FinTech industry in Qatar. Together, our collective expertise in Islamic finance and emerging financial technologies will ensure that the further expansion of the industry is amplified by the latest research and expertise in the Islamic principles of finance.”

The College of Islamic Studies regularly collaborates with local and international institutions to promote a deeper understanding of the various aspects of Islam among the wider community. 

For more information, please visit cis.hbku.edu.qa