Words of Wisdom - the Editor

Peace.
Got busy with a new project. So couldn’t add more news. Although I came across a fine article by a brother on the history and future of Islamic Banking. I was surprised to know that Islamic banking had beginnings in 1975. Wow. That’s almost as early as my birth. And I guess if there are enough like minded people any idea is bound to grow. I too used to wonder if I can invest without plunging into interest based transactions.

UK I noticed is taking some fine initiatives to promote Shariah Finance. Also came across a western brother or atleast who calls Muslims his brothers and sisters but laughs cynically at the DOW Islamic index as 'bending backwards' to accommodate those guys who have four wives and cut of peoples hands. O well some people just don't get it, do they?

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Newhaven launches Sharia-compliant firm

Dubai: Newhaven Investments House has launched Amara Holdings, a Sharia-compliant investment company which focuses on pre-IPO, private equity and private placement opportunities predominantly in China, as well as Mena and India.

A number of Gulf investors have already committed a significant amount of capital to Amara, including Khalid Al Mukairin Group, Al Sorayai Group (Saudi Arabia) and Ahmad Al Khemeiri (UAE).

"Two further GCC investors, Mohammad Al Khalil (Saudi Arabia) and Ahmad Al Omani (Kuwait) are also Amara Board members," the company said in a statement.

Amara is an offshore company pursuing an onshore listing. It has already made its first investment into China with a key strategic partner, Pan China Construction Group.

"We are looking at China, India and the Middle East and Northern Emirate's infrastructure, utility, real estate and industrial services sectors for investment," Dr Musab Jassim, executive chairman, Amara Holdings, told Gulf News.

The company has already signed a memorandum of understanding with Pan China Construction Group, to co-invest in joint ventures. The first of the joint ventures, China Infrastructure Corporation Limited (CIC), has already been formed. CIC, which is 51 per cent owned by Amara, will develop a logistics park, called Ningxia International Logistic Centre, in Ningxia province of China.

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