Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, highlighted the center's continuous advancement as the region's primary global financial hub, attracting organizations and talent aligned with their vision of shaping the future of finance. Globally, Dubai has climbed ranks, standing sixth for FinTech, 11th for professional services, 12th for reputation, 13th for finance, and 14th for infrastructure.
DIFC's Decarbonisation Strategy has raised the bar for environmental leadership. The center has become the selected financial hub for 410 firms in the region, marking a net increase of 60 firms and a notable 16 percent year-on-year growth. DIFC's Alternative Investment sector is expanding rapidly, with 75 hedge funds, 48 of which are part of the exclusive 'billion-dollar club.'
Reflecting on Dubai's achievements in establishing an advanced financial ecosystem, Sheikh Maktoum mentioned the city's relentless pursuit of ambitious goals. The technology and innovation segment witnessed significant growth in DIFC, particularly with the launch of the Dubai AI Campus. By the end of 2024, the top 120 families and high-net-worth individuals within DIFC managed over $1.2 trillion in wealth.
The center is set to unveil a new facility in 2025, providing investment managers with a dedicated space for raising and deploying capital, managing investments, attracting talent, and expanding networks. DIFC has been instrumental in supporting family businesses to prosper since 2004, with the Summit attracting over 8,000 delegates from 100 countries.
To bolster its reputation as the driving force behind the future of finance, DIFC continues to form strategic partnerships. Art Dubai, a DIFC investment, remains a key player in the global art scene in the Middle East. With a diverse workforce and commitment to talent development, DIFC strives to maintain its position as a leading global financial center.
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, acknowledged DIFC's remarkable growth over the past two decades, a testament to Dubai's aspiration to be the region's top global financial center. The Festival, an initiative under the Dubai AI Week, is set to become a prominent event included in the inaugural edition in 2025.
DIFC's advancements in fostering technology and innovation were highlighted by the Dubai FinTech Summit and the Dubai AI Campus. The center saw an influx of new registrations in 2024, marking notable growth and record revenue of AED 1.78 billion (US$484 million). Looking ahead, DIFC aims to solidify its standing as the region's premier financial center through ongoing collaborations, infrastructure enhancements, regulatory updates, and fostering innovation.
DIFC continues to attract new talent, with a focus on personal and professional development. The center's commitment to education and sustainability is evident through various programs and initiatives. The announcement of new registrations further underlines DIFC's role in transforming the region's economic landscape. Operating profit and commercial real estate occupancy surged in 2024, reflecting the center's commitment to sustainable growth and a thriving financial ecosystem.
