In a first for the City of London, the Lord Mayor of the City of London and the Muslim Council of Britain jointly hosted an early evening reception on Friday 29 September 2006 to mark the holy month of Ramadan.

The reception took place in the Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor at Bank. This is the first Muslim breaking of the fast ("Iftar") there.

In recognition of the increasing participation of British Muslims in the economic growth and development of the UK, and in celebration of the growing interaction between Muslims and non- Muslims in the City, guests from all faiths were invited to engage with each other and celebrate diversity.

Lord Mayor David Brewer said: "The City of London is at the centre of a global world of financial services - and one of its strengths is that the hundreds of thousands of skilled people who work here and in Canary Wharf come from a wide variety of backgrounds, countries and cultures. Indeed London is now a world centre in the growing field of Islamic finance.

"Although we are fiercely competitive when it comes to business, City workers treat each other with genuine respect. All religions and all cultures are welcome here - and it was a great opportunity to recognise the role of those colleagues who practise Islam. The City is a living example of globalisation at its best: many people from widely different backgrounds working together."

Dr Muhammed Abdul Bari, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, said: "In the current climate, it is crucial that British society recognises the participation and contribution of its Muslim citizens. In the Islamic Finance and Trade Conference 2006, it was shown that British Muslims offer the country significant opportunities in an emerging market and in global trade.

“The reception highlights our contribution to the UK economy and how all faiths may benefit from greater interaction and mutual understanding".