Global growth strategy research firm DinarStandard and Islamic economy news platform SalaamGateway have jointly released the Top 30 Business Schools of the Islamic Economy 2026 ranking. The new index highlights global institutions providing comprehensive education in Islamic finance and the halal business sector, aiming to develop the next generation of corporate leaders.
Quick Facts
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Evaluates curriculum depth, institutional credibility, and regional ecosystem support.
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Malaysia leads globally with nine ranked business and finance schools.
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UAE and Saudi Arabia secure seven combined spots globally.
Measuring Institutional Impact in Islamic Finance Education
The index ranks academic institutions based on three primary metrics: Curriculum Depth (45%), Institutional Credibility (35%), and Ecosystem Support (20%). These criteria assess the thoroughness of Islamic business programs, global academic standing, and the strength of the local commercial environment.
Malaysia holds the dominant position in the 2026 ranking, representing nine of the 30 listed schools. The International Centre for Education in Islamic Finance (INCEIF) secured the number one spot with a score of 86, driven by its specialized finance curriculum and deep integration within local industries.
The United Kingdom’s Durham University Business School took the second position with an 84.75 score, maintaining its status as a premier Western institution for Islamic finance research. Malaysia’s Universiti Malaya Faculty of Business and Economics followed closely in third place.
Gulf Institutions Capture Strategic Roles in Islamic Business Talent
While Southeast Asia leads in program volume, the Middle East is rapidly expanding its educational infrastructure. The ranking includes four institutions from the United Arab Emirates and three from Saudi Arabia.
The report notes that the UAE leverages its position as a global commercial hub to attract top-tier talent, directly supporting its business schools in producing influential leaders. Concurrently, Saudi Arabia continues to heavily invest in its educational infrastructure, with both King Abdulaziz University Faculty of Economics and Administration and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals Business School earning spots on the list.
Beyond the main Top 30, DinarStandard identified five emerging programs demonstrating strong growth in Islamic economy education. These include Qatar’s Hamad Bin Khalifa University (School of Economics and Management) which launched in 2025, Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Morocco’s Rabat Business School, Indonesia’s Tazkia University, and Kazakhstan’s Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.
“The growing prominence of Islamic economy (Islamic finance and Halal lifestyle products and services) has seen growth in related higher education to address its talent, research and innovation needs,” said Rafi-uddin Shikoh, CEO and Managing Director of DinarStandard.
“We are pleased to have developed this resource of leading Business Schools of the Islamic Economy to address these needs. It is also a reference for educational institutions to benchmark and enhance their Islamic economy programs,” he added.
About DinarStandard
DinarStandard is a growth strategy research and execution management firm that empowers organizations for profitable and responsible global impact. Operating since 2008, the firm specializes in the global halal economy, government innovation, and social impact spaces, advising government entities, investment institutions, and multilaterals across more than 12 countries.
Source: Zawya
