Dr. Areef Suleman

Dr. Areef Suleman is Director of Economic Research and Statistics at the Islamic Development Bank Institute in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he heads the team, providing thought leadership in all matters related to economic policy, socio-economic research, statistics, and evidence-based analysis needed to support initiatives of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and its member countries. His career is marked by consistent advancement through positions of increased responsibility and impact with leading international development organizations.

Dr. Suleman is appointed in leadership roles on multiple boards, committees, and global task forces. He is currently serving on the Board of Directors for United Bank of Albania (Deputy Chairman), Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd, Islami Bank Foundation, Islami Bank Securities Ltd and PARIS21, among others.

He has a PhD in Economics along with a Master’s in Business Leadership and a Master’s in Commerce.

Prior to joining the IDB, Dr. Suleman functioned as CEO of a government fund to foster innovation in South Africa. He was also responsible for jointly establishing and managing the consulting arm of South Africa’s premier development finance institution, wherein he managed its consulting services on the African continent.