Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, visited the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to review its strategic priorities and innovation ambitions.
During the visit, His Highness was received by His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, along with senior officials, and was briefed on the Centre’s growth strategy and ongoing initiatives.
Sheikh Hamdan said that DIFC represents a leading global model for building integrated financial ecosystems driven by innovation, knowledge, and global connectivity. He noted that the Centre plays a key role in reinforcing Dubai’s position as a top global financial hub and a platform for shaping the future of finance.
He added: “The sustained growth achieved by DIFC reflects growing international confidence in Dubai’s economy and its ability to create a world-class business environment that supports innovation and sustainable growth. It also supports Dubai’s ambition to rank among the world’s top three cities for business and investment.”
AI-native vision and innovation ecosystem
The visit began with a comprehensive briefing on DIFC’s client-focused strategy and its ambition to become the world’s first fully AI-native financial centre.
His Highness was also updated on the continued expansion of the DIFC Innovation Hub, the region’s largest FinTech and innovation ecosystem, including progress at the Dubai AI Campus, which he inaugurated two years ago.
Expansion and regulatory support
Discussions also covered the latest developments in DIFC’s expansion plans, driven by increasing global demand, as well as the role of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and DIFC Courts in supporting the Centre’s growth.
Reaffirming his support for DIFC’s ambitions, Sheikh Hamdan signed a commemorative book titled “The Future of Finance: Powered by DIFC.”
Supporting Dubai’s economic agenda
The visit highlighted DIFC’s role as a key contributor to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, supporting economic diversification and strengthening Dubai’s global competitiveness.
Sheikh Hamdan emphasised the importance of continuing to invest in advanced technologies and future-focused sectors to foster a resilient, innovation-driven economy capable of attracting global talent and high-quality investments.
Leadership perspective
His Excellency Essa Kazim said DIFC plays a central role in supporting sustainable growth across financial services, technology, and innovation sectors, reinforcing Dubai’s appeal as a global business destination.
He noted that Dubai’s rise to seventh place globally in the Global Financial Centres Index marks a significant milestone, reflecting international confidence in its financial ecosystem anchored by DIFC.
His Excellency Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, said the Centre continues to enhance Dubai’s position in global finance by building a robust ecosystem for regulated financial firms and innovation-driven businesses.
Global financial hub
DIFC remains one of the most advanced financial centres globally, serving as a key hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region.
Through its focus on innovation, financial services, and emerging technologies, the Centre continues to play a strategic role in shaping the future of finance while supporting Dubai’s long-term economic growth.