This two-day module provides a practical introduction to Islamic banking, linking core Sharia principles with real-world financial applications. Participants will explore the foundations of Islamic finance, its governance frameworks, and how it differs from conventional banking models.
The programme focuses on the structuring of key Islamic financial products, such as Murabaha, Ijarah, Mudarabah, and Musharakah, highlighting their application across retail, corporate, and investment banking, alongside risk mitigation and compliance considerations.
Delivered through interactive discussions and practical exercises, the module equips participants with the knowledge to understand, evaluate, and apply Islamic banking solutions in today’s financial environment.
Course Description
This course is designed for banking and finance professionals, regulators, and corporate practitioners seeking a clear and practical understanding of Islamic banking products and how they differ from conventional financial structures. It is also valuable for professionals considering transition to Islamic finance, working in Islamic banking windows, or involved in product development, risk, compliance, and governance functions.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Understand the core principles of Islamic finance, including its asset‑backed and risk‑sharing aspect.
- Differentiate between Islamic and conventional banking models
- Analyze how Islamic financial products are structured, linking underlying contracts to real‑world banking solutions.
- Evaluate retail banking products, and assess corporate and investment banking solutions,
- Understand the role of Internal Sharia Supervisory Committee for Sharia governance
- Know how Islamic banks ensure compliance through regulatory oversight.
- Identify key risks and operational considerations in Islamic banking, including structuring, liquidity, and compliance challenges.
- Apply basic Islamic finance concepts to practical scenarios and product discussions within financial institutions.
Why you should attend
- Gain a practical understanding of how Islamic banking products are structured and applied
- Understand how Sharia principles translate into real-world banking operations
- Build confidence in engaging in product discussions, risk assessment, and decision-making
- Strengthen your knowledge of governance, compliance, and regulatory frameworks
- Prepare to work in or transition into the growing Islamic finance sector
Who Should Attend
- Banking and finance professionals (retail, corporate, investment)
- Risk, compliance, and governance professionals
- Regulators and policymakers
- Product development and strategy teams
- Professionals in Islamic banking windows
- Corporate finance and treasury professionals
- Individuals transitioning into Islamic finance
Course Details
Date: 15 – 16 July 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (GST)
Format: In person and Live online
Venue: DIFC Academy and Teams
Learn from Experts
Course delivered by:
Sohail Zubairi
Islamic Finance Lead – DIFC Authority
Islamic Finance Specialist, AAOIFI Certified Sharia Advisor & Auditor (CSAA) and IICRA Certified Islamic Arbitrator and Expert (CIAE)
Sohail Zubairi is an Islamic finance specialist with extensive experience in Islamic banking, sukuk, Islamic capital markets, Shariah governance, and policy‑oriented advisory. His work focuses on the practical application of Islamic finance across financial institutions, regulators, and public‑sector stakeholders, with a strong emphasis on structuring, governance, and market development.
He is AAOIFI‑certified as a Shariah Advisor and Auditor (CSAA) and an IICRA‑certified Islamic Arbitrator and Expert (CIAE). Sohail regularly delivers advanced executive and professional programs on Islamic finance, sukuk, and Islamic capital markets, supporting capacity building aligned with national and institutional strategies, including initiatives linked to the UAE Strategy 2031.
Sohail is recognised for his ability to bridge classical Shariah principles with modern financial practice, offering clear, applied insights that are relevant to regulators, bankers, lawyers, investors, and policymakers engaged in Islamic finance and the broader Islamic economy.
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