A New Chapter for Muslim Business Leaders: Elevate Business Summits Launches in AustraliaInterview with Zahra Towner, Founder

Interview with Zahra Towner, Founder

The first event - Elevate: Muslims in Business 2026  - will be held at the luxurious InterContinental Hayman Island from April 30 to May 3, 2026. More than 150 Muslim professionals, entrepreneurs, directors, and emerging leaders will gather for three days of insight, connection, and growth.

In 2026, a new business summit will offer something refreshingly different to the Australian professional landscape - a space where Muslim professionals can grow, connect, and lead without compromising their identity or values.

Founded in Brisabne by Zahra Towner, Elevate Business Summits will host its inaugural event - Elevate: Muslims in Business 2026 - on Hayman Island from April 30 to May 3, 2026. This exclusive, faith-aligned leadership experience is designed for Muslim professionals, company directors, and entrepreneurs across Australia.

The idea, Zahra says, was shaped by years of navigating professional settings that didn’t reflect her values or lived experience.

“Many business conferences don’t cater for Muslim business owners,” Zahra explains. “Elevate was created to provide a professional, values-conscious environment where Muslim professionals could learn, grow, and build lasting relationships - all while feeling completely at ease.”

The concept took root during a conversation with a client who admitted they had never attended a business event where they felt comfortable being openly Muslim. That really stuck with me,” Zahra recalls. “So many professionals are looking for community, for connection, for excellence - but in a space where they don’t have to filter their identity to fit in.”

From halal catering and prayer-friendly scheduling to world-class speakers and hands-on leadership development, the summit is designed with both practicality and premium experience in mind. Hosted at the luxurious InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, Elevate is about making space for serious business, real learning, and shared values - without compromise. “It’s about what you take away,” Zahra says. “Clarity, confidence, new business ideas, and hopefully some great friendships along the way.”

Zahra envisions Elevate as a space for ambitious, values-driven professionals: Muslim business owners, executives, emerging leaders, and entrepreneurs who want to sharpen their skills and grow their networks - in a setting that feels aligned, inspiring, and practical. "Our values guide how we lead, how we build trust, how we serve our clients,” Zahra says. “Elevate is simply an environment where that’s understood - and where professionals can do their best work while staying true to themselves.”

While the 2026 summit marks the beginning, Zahra sees Elevate evolving into more than just a once-a-year gathering. She hopes it will become a lasting part of the professional journey for Muslim business leaders - a place where ideas are sparked, networks are strengthened, and growth continues long after the event ends.s.

“If I could send one message to every Muslim business owner in Australia, it would be: let’s get together, learn something new, and build something meaningful. It’s time for a new kind of business experience - one where we don’t have to choose between ambition and authenticity.”

Expressions of Interest Now Open

Join Elevate: Muslims in Business 2026 on Hayman Island, April 30–May 3.📍 Learn more and register at: https://www.elevatebusinesssummit.com.au/