WTC 2009, held under the theme of Renewing Growth Strategies in a Challenging Market and in strategic partnership with Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) confirmed its stature as the World's Largest Gathering of Islamic Insurance Leaders. More than 350 industry leaders attended the conference, evidence of the importance of the event in steering profitable growth paths for the Takaful market - a task made even more challenging by the continuing fall-out from the global economic crisis.

The hugely successful WTC 2009 wrapped-up on the 15th April 2009 with a resounding commendation from the attendees who enjoyed the opportunity to network and hear insights from their peers and from internationally renowned industry leaders.

The conference also attracted substantial media attention. WTC 2009 was a great platform for the region's leading broadcast media, newspaper & trade publications to speak to leading market players on the industry's pressing issues.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) for their long term support of the World Takaful Conference and for their contribution again this year as Strategic Partner. We also want to thank our platinum sponsors, HSBC Amanah, SALAMA Islamic Arab Insurance Company, Noor Takaful, and Takaful Re; and also all our other key sponsors for their invaluable role in the growth and success of the event.

Finally, we would like to extend our gratitude to Ernst & Young and their Islamic Financial Services Group who played a key role in WTC 2009 not only as Islamic Financial Services Associate, but for investing their resources in the development of The World Takaful Report, a powerful research resource which provides original insights into the changing industry landscape.

Given the huge growth and success of WTC 2009, planning is already underway for next year. Mark your calendar now to attend The 5th Annual World Takaful Conference, which will be held on 13th & 14th April 2010 in Dubai.

We had lots of great feedback from our partners, speakers, delegates and exhibitors, and would like to offer our gratitude to everyone for making WTC 2009 such a huge success.