About Islamic Development Bank Institute

The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) is the knowledge beacon of the Islamic Development Bank Group. Formerly known as the Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI), IsDBI plays a crucial role in advancing Islamic finance and supporting sustainable development. The institute focuses on innovative knowledge-based solutions to development challenges in IsDB member countries. IsDBI conducts research, provides training and capacity building, and offers advisory services in Islamic economics and finance. It aims to be a global knowledge center for Islamic finance, fostering economic development and financial inclusion in accordance with Islamic principles.

Islamic Development Bank Institute Highlights

Career Outcomes and Placement Information

The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) offers a unique approach to career development within the Islamic finance and sustainable development sectors. While not a traditional educational institution, IsDBI's programs and initiatives significantly contribute to professional growth in these specialized fields. The institute provides various services that enhance career prospects for participants in its programs.IsDBI's career development approach is embedded in its core activities, which include specialized training programs, online learning courses, and globally recognized certifications in Islamic finance and sustainable development. These offerings allow professionals worldwide to gain expertise and credentials that can significantly boost their career prospects in the Islamic finance sector.The institute's focus on cutting-edge research provides opportunities for scholars and professionals to contribute to the field and enhance their academic profiles. This research component can be particularly beneficial for those pursuing careers in academia or policy-making within Islamic finance and sustainable development.

Faculties

These are the expert instructors who will be teaching you throughout the course. With a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience, they're here to guide, inspire, and support you every step of the way. Get to know the people who will help you reach your learning goals and make the most of your journey.

H.E Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser

Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser serves as President and Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank Group, bringing extensive leadership experience in economic and financial governance. His distinguished career spans multiple high-level positions, including Minister of Economy and Planning and Governor of the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA). His academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of California and a B.A. with honors from San Diego State University. His expertise extends across various sectors, demonstrated through his service on numerous high-profile boards and committees, including the Council for Economic Affairs and Development, the Public Investment Fund, and as Alternate Governor for Saudi Arabia at the IMF and World Bank. He has held pivotal roles as Chairman of the GCC Monetary Council and member of the Governing Body of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. His contributions to economic policy and development have been recognized with several honors, most notably the King Abdul Aziz Medal of the First Order in 2001. Throughout his career, he has been actively involved in G20 summits, Bank for International Settlements meetings, and has significantly influenced economic and monetary policy through his participation in international symposia and lectures.

Achim Steiner

Achim Steiner serves as the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) since June 2017, with his appointment renewed for a second four-year term in 2021. As Vice-Chair of the UN Sustainable Development Group, he coordinates 40 UN entities working toward sustainable development goals. His three-decade career exemplifies dedication to global sustainability, climate resilience, and international cooperation.

Dr. Sami I. Al-Suwailem

Dr. Sami I. Al-Suwailem serves as Acting Director General and Chief Economist at the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), where he leads the knowledge beacon of the IsDB Group. His extensive career includes managing the Research and Development Center at Al-Rajhi Bank and academic positions at prestigious institutions including the Institute of Islamic and Arabic Sciences in America, Southern Illinois University, and King Saud University. With a Ph.D. from Washington University and an M.A. from Southern Illinois University, he has made significant contributions to Islamic economics and finance through his research and publications

Ahmed Iskanderani

Dr. Ahmed Iskanderani has served in key leadership positions at the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), including Director of Islamic Finance Capacity Development Department and Director of Online Learning Program. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and a Master's degree from the University of California. His work at IsDBI has been aligned with the institute's mission as the knowledge beacon of the IsDB Group, focusing on fostering awareness, human capital development, and innovative solutions in Islamic finance. Previously serving as Acting Director of Research and Advisory Services Department, he has contributed significantly to IsDBI's mandate of providing thought leadership and developing innovative knowledge solutions for sustainable development.

Yahya Aleem ur Rehman

Yahya Aleem ur Rehman serves as Lead Islamic Finance Specialist at the Islamic Development Bank Group, bringing extensive expertise in Islamic finance advisory and development. His academic credentials include multiple master's degrees: Development Management from the London School of Economics (LSE), Politics and Economics from the University of Oxford, and Economics from the International Islamic University, Islamabad. In his previous role as Division Manager of Advisory Services at the Islamic Research & Training Institute, he contributed to the development of Islamic finance frameworks and capacity building initiatives. His expertise focuses on advancing Islamic finance advisory and technical assistance programs, helping to strengthen financial frameworks across member countries. His current role involves fostering knowledge exchange and implementing strategic initiatives for sustainable development in IsDB member countries.

Khalifa M. Ali Hassanain

Dr. Khalifa M. Ali Hassanain serves as a Senior Economist at the Islamic Research and Training Institute, Islamic Development Bank Institute. His academic credentials include both Masters and Ph.D. degrees in economics, with specialization in monetary economics and financial markets from Iowa State University, where he also gained teaching experience. His expertise at the Islamic Development Bank Institute focuses on economic research and analysis, particularly in Islamic finance and monetary economics. As a senior research economist, he contributes to the institute's mission through economic analysis, research publications, and capacity building initiatives in Islamic finance and economics.

Dr. Rami Abdelkafi

Dr. Rami Abdelkafi is the Team Leader of the Knowledge Leaders Team at the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), where he has been a pivotal figure since joining the Islamic Development Bank in August 2008. With a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Nice, France, obtained in 2002, Dr. Abdelkafi brings extensive expertise in economic growth and development, Islamic economics and finance, and macroeconomic policies. Prior to his current role, he served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Sfax in Tunisia, where he contributed to academic discourse in economics. His work at IsDBI focuses on harnessing knowledge to foster sustainable economic development across member countries, emphasizing the integration of Islamic finance principles into broader economic strategies. Dr. Abdelkafi's commitment to advancing economic development is reflected in his research and collaborative projects aimed at addressing pressing economic challenges in the Islamic world.

Abdullahi Mohamed

Dr. Abdullahi Mohamed is a distinguished Shari'ah expert combining academic expertise with practical market experience in Islamic finance and product development. His academic credentials include a Ph.D. and Master's degree from the International Islamic University, Malaysia. As a certified Shari'ah Advisor and Auditor, he provides valuable guidance on Islamic financial products and services. His expertise encompasses both the theoretical foundations of Islamic law and its practical applications in modern financial markets, making him a valuable resource for institutions seeking Shariah-compliant solutions and product development guidance.

Mohamed Abdeltawab Ibrahim

Mohamed Abdeltawab Ibrahim serves as Senior Learning & Development Specialist at the Islamic Development Bank Institute, bringing extensive expertise in training and development within the banking sector. His academic credentials include a master's degree in Islamic Finance Practice from INCEIF (The Global University of Islamic Finance) in Malaysia, and he is currently pursuing his Ph.D. at UPM Education School, Malaysia. His professional certifications include CIPD level 5 learning and development diploma from the UK, Human Resources Professional diploma from the Egyptian Banking Institute, and various certifications from the American Society for Training and Development.