H.H. Sheikh Maktoum commends DIFC’s contributions to D33 goals

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), has reviewed DIFC’s latest strategic progress and future plans during a meeting of the Higher Board of Directors.

Sheikh Maktoum praised the DIFC Authority, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and the DIFC Courts for their strong performance and alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. He said their achievements reinforce Dubai’s vision to become one of the world’s top four financial centres by 2033.

DIFC has helped the emirate climb to 11th place globally in the Global Financial Centres Index, and into the top four worldwide for FinTech, supported by a robust regulatory environment, advanced technology ecosystem and strong financial infrastructure.

Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, said the Centre continues to attract international financial institutions and innovators, driven by a forward-looking legal framework and growing regional opportunities.

During the meeting, DIFC outlined progress on its 2030 Strategy, including major steps in AI, innovation, and talent development. Key initiatives include the launch of the Dubai AI Academy, aimed at training 10,000 future leaders, and the 1 Million Learners sustainability education programme. DIFC also expanded support for high-growth companies, launched new venture debt tools, and marked major milestones such as the DEWS savings scheme surpassing $1 billion in assets.

DIFC now hosts over 8,000 companies, including more than 1,000 firms regulated by the DFSA—the largest concentration of financial services institutions in the region. DFSA continues to record double-digit growth in new firms seeking authorisation.

The DIFC Courts also reported a surge in activity, with claims exceeding AED 17.5 billion this year, further strengthening Dubai’s position as the region’s leading common-law jurisdiction.

Looking ahead, the DIFC Authority, DFSA and DIFC Courts set out their 2026 priorities, which include enhancing Dubai’s competitiveness, expanding infrastructure, driving innovation and AI adoption, and empowering the next generation of industry leaders.

The Board also approved the DIFC Courts’ new Five-Year Growth Strategy, aimed at supporting the D33 agenda and reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global hub for high-value commercial dispute resolution.

The meeting concluded with a directive to leverage Dubai Future Finance Week 2026 as a platform to shape the future of finance and attract further investment to the emirate.