Areef Suleman is currently the Director Economic Research and Institutional Learning at the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In this capacity, he heads the team providing thought leadership in all matters related to economic policy, socio-economic research and knowledge management needed to support initiatives of IDB and its Member Countries. Dr. Suleman has a distinguished career in formulating and leading the implementation of high level strategies, policies and programmes from the firm through to the global level to achieve measurable results. His career is marked by consistent advancement through positions of increased responsibility and impact with leading international development organizations.

He has a Ph.D in Economics along with a Masters in Business Leadership and a Masters in Commerce. Dr. Suleman’s career began in post-apartheid South Africa where he was instrumental in developing inclusive growth-oriented strategies. Prior to joining the IsDB, Areef Suleman functioned as CEO of a Government Fund to foster innovation in South Africa. He was responsible for jointly establishing and managing the consulting arm of South Africa’s premier development finance institution wherein he managed their consulting services on the African continent.

Areef Suleman represents Islamic Development Bank (IDB), Jeddah, KSA in the Board of Directors of Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd. and is also a Director of Islami Bank Securities Limited.