Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and President of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), led a meeting of the DIFC Higher Board of Directors. During this meeting at his office, he assessed the significant advancements made by the DIFC Authority, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), and the DIFC Courts, which enhance Dubai's status as a top-tier global financial hub in the region.
According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Maktoum praised the DIFC team for their continuous efforts and alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). He highlighted that these achievements, facilitated by a strong legislative ecosystem, advanced technological capabilities, and a solid financial infrastructure, reflect the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to establish Dubai as a global economic capital and a premier hub for business and finance.
Sheikh Maktoum emphasized that DIFC is pivotal to Dubai's ambition to rank among the world's top four financial centers by 2033. The center has been instrumental in boosting the emirate's competitiveness, moving its position in the Global Financial Centres Index to 11th overall and top four globally for FinTech. This demonstrates Dubai's firm commitment to nurturing an innovative, investment-friendly financial ecosystem, strengthening its leadership, and its growing influence in global finance.
Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, expressed that DIFC continues to play a crucial role in fulfilling Dubai's ambitions as one of the world's leading financial powerhouses. The center's unique ecosystem, forward-looking legal and regulatory framework, and unparalleled access to regional growth opportunities are attracting financial institutions and innovators to Dubai at an unprecedented rate.
DIFC shared its progress on the ambitious 2030 Strategy with the Board during the meeting. Through 2025, the Centre is set to expand its AI, innovation, and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Talent development remains a priority, as shown by the launch of the Dubai AI Academy, which aims to train 10,000 future leaders, and the "1 Million Learners" initiative to enhance sustainability education in the region.
The DIFC also provided more support for high-growth companies in the region through a new venture debt initiative, expanded its global outreach into new markets, and reached significant financial milestones, such as the DIFC Employee Workplace Savings (DEWS) scheme surpassing $1 billion in assets.
The Higher Board of Directors acknowledged DIFC as the region's only financial center operating comprehensively across all sectors. They recognized how the Centre's credibility in the global financial industry has attracted over 8,000 companies, including more than 1,000 firms regulated by the DFSA. This remarkable growth highlights DIFC's role as a magnet for financial institutions, innovators, and leading organizations seeking a dynamic environment.
As the independent regulator of banking, financial services, and markets in DIFC, the DFSA now oversees the largest number of financial services firms in the region, reflecting the strength of the Centre's regulatory framework. The DFSA continues to see record numbers of firms seeking authorisation in DIFC, with this year witnessing double-digit growth and more new firms authorised than the previous year. Among key initiatives, the DFSA has introduced a streamlined authorisation process to improve efficiency while maintaining high standards.
The Board also noted the significant increase in the value of claims processed by the DIFC Courts, which exceeded AED17.5 billion this year, underlining their status as the region's leading English-language common law system. This achievement reflects DIFC's robust legal framework and its capability to deliver reliable, world-class judicial services.
The DIFC Authority, DFSA, and DIFC Courts also outlined their priorities for 2026, focusing on enhancing the Centre's global competitiveness and distinguishing Dubai as the region's premier destination for finance and business. These efforts include evolving DIFC's trusted legal and regulatory framework, developing infrastructure to expand capacity, leveraging innovation and AI, and empowering future industry leaders.
The Board approved the DIFC Courts' Five-Year Growth Strategy, designed to support federal, local, and DIFC strategic objectives aligned with the D33. This strategy will build on the DIFC Courts' proven track record in resolving complex, high-value commercial disputes and bolster Dubai's reputation as a jurisdiction of choice.
The Board's discussions underscored DIFC's steadfast commitment to advancing Dubai's vision of becoming a leading global financial center. Reaffirming DIFC's role as an innovation catalyst within financial services, members highlighted the Centre's potential to use Dubai Future Finance Week 2026 as a platform to shape the future of finance, drive global collaboration, and attract more investment into Dubai.