The 6th Global Business Excellence Gala: Fostering International Collaboration in London

On October 13, 2026, the Jumeirah Carlton Tower in London served as the venue for the illustrious 6th Global Business Excellence Gala. This significant event convened a diverse array of attendees, including prominent business leaders, academics, entrepreneurs, and representatives from various institutions. The night was a celebration of ethical leadership and a testament to the importance of international collaboration in today’s business environment.

The evening commenced with a welcoming address from H.E. Mr. Yousef Hassan Khalawi, the Secretary General of the AlBaraka Forum for Islamic Economy. He emphasized the value of bringing together like-minded individuals to cultivate meaningful discussions and foster partnerships that can lead to sustainable development in communities. The Gala aimed to bridge the gap between traditional business practices and the principles of the Islamic economy, paving the way for innovative solutions that prioritize ethical practices and social welfare.

A highlight of the evening was the keynote address by Dr. Yahya Hendi, who holds the distinguished role of Director for Muslim Life at Georgetown University. Dr. Hendi advocated for stronger international cooperation and called for business leaders to harmonize global insights with local actions. He introduced key Islamic principles such as ta'arafu (mutual understanding), ta'awanu (cooperation in good), and tanafasu (competing for goodness). His message resonated with the audience, urging them to foster networks that enable both business growth and community development. He encouraged entrepreneurs to engage in healthy competition that drives positive social impact, rather than viewing each other merely as rivals.

Dr. Nabil Qaddoumi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Taawon Association in Palestine, further enriched the dialogue by highlighting the ethical responsibilities of business leaders. He shared Taawon’s impressive journey, having invested over USD 1 billion in numerous initiatives across education, healthcare, youth development, and vulnerable community support. By sharing his organization's experiences, he illustrated how shared visions among business leaders can translate into impactful community development initiatives. Dr. Qaddoumi concluded by inspiring attendees to transform ideas into actionable projects that deliver real hope to humanity.

Subsequently, H.E. Mr. Necmeddin Bilal Erdoğan, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ibn Haldun University in Istanbul, delivered an insightful address. He reminded attendees of the late Sheikh Saleh Kamel’s contributions to the realm of Islamic finance, while calling for the application of halal and tayyib principles beyond products into broader aspects of trade and investment. Erdoğan emphasized that ethical parameters should also extend to how businesses generate income, how they treat their employees, and how they make decisions that uphold human dignity.

“Legitimacy of income is as crucial as the Halal status of food itself,” he argued, reinforcing the need for businesses to align their financial practices with ethical standards. He also advocated for a greater understanding of Islamic finance as a holistic approach to business, rather than a mere tool for financing projects. He encouraged the integration of waqf, charity endowments, in supporting community initiatives and proposed the establishment of partnerships among entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and development organizations to create innovative, sustainable projects.

The Gala was honored by attendance from distinguished figures including HRH Prince AbdulAziz bin Abdul Majeed Al Saud, Hon. Shakeel Mohamed, the Minister of Housing and Lands from Mauritius, and H.E. Dato' Indera Dr. Azfar Mohamad Mustafar, along with a plethora of leaders from the banking and investment sectors. Key figures such as Mr. Salim Arda Ermut of Türkiye Wealth Fund and Mr. Ahmet Burak Dağlıoğlu from the Turkish presidency were also present, showcasing the event's significant pull in the financial community.

The collaborative atmosphere extended to banking representatives from various institutions including Bank Negara Malaysia and the Arab National Bank, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering cooperation across the Islamic economy. The contributions of major sponsors, including Albaraka Türk Participation Bank and Anadolu Agency, facilitated an evening rich in dialogue and networking opportunities.

The 6th Global Business Excellence Gala stood as a beacon of hope for nurturing international business relationships and harnessing shared values to propel economic and social progress across borders. It emphasized the necessity of collaboration, ethical practices, and the pursuit of goodness in the business landscape, marking a significant step in the evolution of global business dynamics within the context of the Islamic economy.