MANAMA, 7 July 2003 — An international conference on Islamic Economics and Finance will be held in Bahrain later this year. “Sustainable development and Islamic finance in Muslim countries” is the theme of the fifth such conference scheduled at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel from Oct. 7 to 9. The conference, which was earlier scheduled in April but postponed due to the conflict in the region, is set to provide a unique form for local, regional and international economists, bankers and financiers to understand, share and discuss the intricacies of Islamic finance. It will also examine the dynamic nature of Islamic economies and the various problems that it faces. “Undoubtedly, the success of this conference will only serve to emphasize the relevance of this emerging financial system and demonstrate the need to incorporate Islamic financial practices in today’s volatile world economy,” A. Lateef Al-Mahmood, head of the department of Arabic and Islamic Studies at the University of Bahrain, said.