Why the perception of Islamic finance as a conservative sector outdated

Asfar Ibrahim’s take on opportunities with Shariah Compliant investments in UAE | The Nationals

The UAE has built a reputation as a global financial hub, balancing conventional and Islamic finance with remarkable ease. But while Sharia-compliant investing has been around for decades, it is now becoming a major force in shaping market trends, offering solid returns, and aligning with the region's push for sustainability.

Despite its growing appeal, many investors still see it as complex or limiting. Some assume it is only relevant to Muslim investors, while others believe it lags behind conventional markets in performance. The reality is different. Sectors like real estate, logistics, health care and technology, where asset-backed strategies thrive, have seen strong growth under Sharia principles, making them attractive to a much broader investor base.

Sharia finance is not about restriction, it is about structure. The focus on transparency, ethical investing and risk sharing makes it especially relevant today, as global markets reckon with uncertainty.