The 5th Global Business Excellence Gala convened by AlBaraka Forum for Islamic Economy, held at Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul on the 5th of June,2026 on the sidelines of the 3rd Global Islamic Economy Summit in Istanbul marked a landmark gathering of global business leaders, visionary thinkers, policymakers, and innovators — bringing together some of the most influential changemakers shaping the future of industries worldwide. A convergence point where executives meet to connect, invest, and lead new global opportunities, the Gala served as a unique platform for dialogue, collaboration, and impact, reinforcing London’s position as a global hub for international business leadership.
Opening the evening, H.E. Mr. Abdullah Saleh Kamel, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the AlBaraka Islamic Economy Forum, warmly welcomed the guests and participants. He also expressed his sincere appreciation to H.E. Mr. Cevdet Yılmaz, Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye, for honoring the event with his presence.
Abdullah Saleh Kamel: “Collaboration Will Advance the Global Islamic Economy”
Expressing his pleasure at hosting such a distinguished group of policymakers, experts, business leaders, and partners in Istanbul, Kamel stated:
“Your esteemed presence here clearly reflects the importance of the collaborations we will build together to further advance the global Islamic economy.”
Kamel also extended his heartfelt gratitude to all partners and sponsors whose continued support and valuable contributions have played a significant role in the success of the summit.
Cevdet Yılmaz: “Islamic Finance Has the Potential to Make Strong Contributions to the Global Economy”
Addressing participants during the gala dinner, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz emphasized Türkiye’s economic transformation vision and the growing importance of international cooperation. Highlighting the significance of solidarity, shared development, and sustainable growth amid increasing global uncertainties, Yılmaz stated:
“At a time when global uncertainties are deepening, solidarity and sustainable growth have become more critical than ever. With its ethics-based structure, Islamic finance holds tremendous potential to make significant contributions to the global economy.
As Türkiye, we remain firmly committed to advancing our goals in participation finance and interest-free finance. In this context, Istanbul continues to take strong steps toward becoming an international financial center. I firmly believe that the future of the Islamic economy will be shaped by the strong partnerships demonstrated here and the joint projects that will emerge from them.”
Representatives of the summit’s strategic partners—including the Investment Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, the Finance Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye, the Türkiye Wealth Fund, the Istanbul Financial Center, the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF), and Ibn Haldun University—joined distinguished guests from global partner AlBaraka Group, host partner Halkbank, official carrier Turkish Airlines, global Communication partners Anadolu Agency and Demirören Media ,Platinum Sponsor Ziraat Participation Bank, Gold Sponsors Türkiye Katılım Sigorta, Takasbank, Fuzul and Emlak Katılım, Silver Sponsor Yıldız Holding and Bronze Sponsor Kalyon Inshaat in a warm and engaging atmosphere throughout the evening.
The evening offered a distinguished platform for strengthening international partnerships, encouraging dialogue among leaders of the Islamic economy ecosystem, and celebrating collective efforts to advance ethical finance, sustainable development, and cross-border cooperation. The program concluded with networking sessions in the historic setting of Dolmabahçe Palace.
