The Banking Executive Magazine- June 2026 Issue

ISSUE 209 MAY 2026 the BANKING EXECUTIVE 63 FinTech and AI Chornicle ening the digital and knowledge economy in line with global devel- opments and reinforcing Dubai’s long-term leadership.” The visit commenced with a compre- hensive briefing on DIFC’s client- centric strategy and its ambition to become the world’s first fully AI-na- tive financial centre. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan was also briefed on the continued growth of the DIFC Inno- vation Hub, the region’s leading Fin- Tech and innovation ecosystems, including the Dubai AI Campus, which His Highness inaugurated two years ago. The visit also included a review of the latest developments in DIFC’s expansion plans, which are being implemented in response to excep- tional demand, as well as the support provided by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and DIFC Courts in advancing these efforts. Reaffirming his commitment to supporting DIFC’s ambitions to strengthen Dubai’s position among the world’s top four financial centres, in line with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan signed DIFC’s commemora- tive book, titled ‘The Future of Fi- nance: Powered by DIFC’. The visit underscored DIFC’s role as a key enabler of Dubai’s financial services sector and a strategic con- tributor to the emirate’s economic di- versification ambitions. Through its efforts to advance financial services, drive innovation and emerging tech- nologies, support the growth of global businesses, and help shape the future of finance from Dubai, DIFC continues to contribute to the emirate’s long-term economic growth and global competitiveness. Essa Kazim said, “As Dubai contin- ues to diversify its economy in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, DIFC is playing a leading role in enabling sustainable growth across financial services, technology and innovation-driven sectors, rein- forcing the emirate’s position as a global destination for business and investment. Dubai’s recent rise to seventh place globally in the Global Financial Centres Index marked a defining milestone in its journey to becoming one of the world’s most in- fluential financial hubs. This achievement reflects the strength, depth and global confidence in the emirate’s financial ecosystem, an- chored by DIFC as its leading finan- cial centre. We remain focused on building on this momentum, further strengthening our ecosystem and supporting Dubai’s ambition to be among the world’s top four financial centres by 2033.” Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority and Member of Dubai's Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy, said, “DIFC continues to play a cen- tral role in advancing Dubai’s global competitiveness across financial services, innovation and sustainable growth. With the region’s largest ecosystem of regulated financial firms and an expansive community of technology and innovation busi- nesses, the Centre reflects both the scale of Dubai’s ambition and the strength of its international appeal. By continuing to advance initiatives that shape the future of finance, in- cluding our AI-native ambition, DIFC is creating an environment where global institutions and emerging en- terprises alike can grow, connect and lead from Dubai.” DIFC is among the most advanced fi- nancial centres in the world. It plays a key role in shaping the global fi- nancial landscape and strengthening Dubai’s position as a leading desti- nation for finance and business across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region.