$205bn global sukuk; Islamic-themed animation; AI for 3bn

December 01, 2025

Pulse of the Global Islamic Economy

Jumada ll 10, 1447 AH

Assalamualaikum,

Children’s animation rooted in Islamic values has rapidly shifted from a niche category to one of the fastest-growing segments in global media, driven by surging demand, Gulf investment, and the emergence of new production hubs across the Middle East and Southeast Asia. 

Meanwhile, global sukuk issuances reached $205 billion in 2024, with international sukuk hitting a record $65.6 billion, a trend IIFM says will accelerate with the rise of hybrid structures and greater standardization across markets.

And finally, the Middle East is rapidly positioning itself as a global hub for AI data-centre infrastructure, with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar leading efforts to build multi-gigawatt AI compute capacity.

Did you know?

AI’s growth has created a powerful incentive for technology firms to invest in clean, reliable power, with data centre investments projected to reach around $1.1 trillion by 2029, alongside a global push to scale renewables and upgrade grid infrastructure

Your feedback matters:

What did you think about today’s email? Your feedback is our guiding star to deliver top-notch content straight to your inbox.

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.