Dubai – 09 June 2026
His Highness 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, visited Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to review its strategic priorities, innovation ambitions, and contribution to advancing Dubai’s economic agenda.
During the visit, His Highness was briefed on DIFC’s continued growth, expansion plans, and its vision to become the world’s first fully AI-Native financial centre. Discussions also highlighted the rapid development of the DIFC Innovation Hub and Dubai AI Campus, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global destination for financial innovation and emerging technologies.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said DIFC serves as a global benchmark for integrated economic and financial ecosystems powered by innovation, knowledge, and international connectivity. He noted that the Centre plays a vital role in reinforcing Dubai’s standing among the world’s leading financial hubs while supporting the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
“DIFC’s sustained growth reflects growing international confidence in Dubai’s economy and its ability to provide a world-class environment for business, innovation, and investment,” His Highness said. “As we advance the goals of D33, we remain committed to attracting global talent, pioneering companies, and high-quality investments that will strengthen Dubai’s competitiveness and long-term economic leadership.”
The visit included an overview of DIFC’s client-centric strategy, the progress of its expansion programme to meet rising demand, and the role of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and DIFC Courts in supporting the Centre’s continued development.
Reaffirming his support for DIFC’s ambitions and Dubai’s objective of becoming one of the world’s top four financial centres by 2033, His Highness signed DIFC’s commemorative book, The Future of Finance: Powered by DIFC.
His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, said the Centre continues to play a pivotal role in driving Dubai’s economic diversification and strengthening its position as a global hub for finance, innovation, and investment.
His Excellency Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority and Member of Dubai’s Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy, said DIFC’s expanding ecosystem of financial institutions, technology firms, and innovation-led businesses reflects the strength of Dubai’s global appeal and supports the emirate’s vision to shape the future of finance.
The visit underscored DIFC’s role as a key enabler of Dubai’s financial services sector and a strategic contributor to the emirate’s long-term economic growth, innovation agenda, and global competitiveness.
