DIFC has outlined its ambition to become the world’s first fully AI-native financial centre during a visit by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy.

During the visit to Dubai International Financial Centre, the leading global financial centre across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, His Highness was welcomed by Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, along with other senior officials.

Strategic Vision for Growth

During the visit, His Highness was briefed on the Centre’s strategic priorities, innovation ambitions, and client-centric strategy.

He said that Dubai International Financial Centre represents a leading global model for building integrated economic and financial ecosystems driven by innovation, knowledge, and connectivity with the global economy.

According to Sheikh Hamdan, the Centre reinforces Dubai’s position as a top four financial centre and a key hub for shaping the future. He noted that, as Dubai advances the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the emirate remains committed to enhancing its global competitiveness through a flexible and innovation-driven economy capable of attracting top talent, companies, and investments.

He added that the sustained growth achieved by DIFC reflects increasing international confidence in Dubai’s economy and its ability to provide a world-class business environment that supports innovation and sustainable growth.

Furthermore, he said the growth supports Dubai’s ambition to rank among the world’s top three cities for business and investment. He emphasized that Dubai will continue investing in future-focused sectors and advanced technologies while strengthening the digital and knowledge economy.

AI-Native Ambition and Innovation Ecosystem

The visit commenced with a comprehensive briefing on DIFC’s ambition to become the world’s first fully AI-native financial centre.

In addition, His Highness received updates on the continued growth of the DIFC Innovation Hub, the region’s leading FinTech and innovation ecosystem. The briefing also highlighted developments at the Dubai AI Campus, which Sheikh Hamdan inaugurated two years ago.

Expansion Plans Reviewed

Officials also presented the latest developments in DIFC’s expansion plans, which are being implemented in response to exceptional demand.

The visit included a review of support being provided by the Dubai Financial Services Authority and DIFC Courts to advance these expansion efforts.

Reaffirming his commitment to supporting DIFC’s ambitions and strengthening Dubai’s position among the world’s top four financial centres in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, Sheikh Hamdan signed the Centre’s commemorative book titled The Future of Finance: Powered by DIFC.

Supporting Dubai’s Economic Diversification

The visit highlighted DIFC’s role as a key enabler of Dubai’s financial services sector and a strategic contributor to the emirate’s economic diversification ambitions.

Through its efforts to advance financial services, promote innovation and emerging technologies, support global business growth, and shape the future of finance from Dubai, the Centre continues to contribute to the emirate’s long-term economic growth and competitiveness.

DIFC Leadership Highlights Progress

Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, said that as Dubai continues to diversify its economy under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the Centre is playing a leading role in enabling sustainable growth across financial services, technology, and innovation-driven sectors.

He noted that Dubai’s recent rise to seventh place globally in the Global Financial Centres Index marked a significant milestone in its journey to becoming one of the world’s most influential financial hubs.

According to Kazim, the achievement reflects the strength, depth, and global confidence in Dubai’s financial ecosystem, with DIFC serving as its leading financial centre. He added that the Centre remains focused on strengthening its ecosystem and supporting Dubai’s ambition to rank among the world’s top four financial centres by 2033.

Driving the Future of Finance

Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority and Member of Dubai’s Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy, said the Centre continues to play a central role in advancing Dubai’s global competitiveness across financial services, innovation, and sustainable growth.

He said that with the region’s largest ecosystem of regulated financial firms and a growing community of technology and innovation businesses, the Centre reflects both the scale of Dubai’s ambitions and its international appeal.

Amiri added that by advancing initiatives that shape the future of finance, including its AI-native ambition, DIFC is creating an environment where both global institutions and emerging enterprises can grow, connect, and lead from Dubai.

As one of the world’s most advanced financial centres, DIFC continues to strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading destination for finance and business across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region while supporting innovation, investment, and long-term economic growth.

Related post

View all