Latest news with #ArifAmiri
Fintech News ME
2 days ago
- Business
- Fintech News ME
DIFC Sees Record Growth in H1 2025 with 32% Surge in New Firms
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) recorded its strongest first-half results to date, with continued growth across financial and innovation sectors, as well as increased participation from new companies and institutions. Between January and June 2025, a total of 1,081 new companies joined DIFC, representing a 32% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The total number of active firms now stands at 7,700. The increase reflects growing interest in Dubai and the DIFC as a base for regional and international operations. The number of firms regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has reached 980. DIFC remains the only financial centre in the region operating at scale across banking, capital markets, asset management, insurance, and other financial services sectors. The Centre noted increased intra-community business activity as a result of this concentration. DIFC also reported a 72% rise in hedge fund registrations over the past 12 months, with 85 such entities now based in the Centre. The financial ecosystem includes 440 wealth and asset management firms, 289 banking and capital markets institutions, and 135 insurance-related companies. The number of family-related entities and foundations continues to grow, supported by Dubai's role as a regional wealth hub. DIFC is currently home to 1,035 family-related entities and 842 foundations. The innovation and technology segment also expanded, with 1,388 AI, fintech, and Innovation firms now operating within DIFC, a 28% year-on-year increase. Ignyte, the Centre's digital platform for start-ups, has delivered AED 182 million in documented benefits since its launch in late 2024. A proptech Hub has also been introduced to support innovation in the real estate sector, in line with Dubai's Real Estate Strategy 2033. To support ongoing growth, DIFC is developing over 1.6 million square feet of new commercial space, with occupancy expected to begin from Q1 2026. The workforce within the Centre increased by 9% over the past year to 47,901 people. The DIFC Academy, in partnership with 32 education and training providers, continues to support skills development across sectors. 'DIFC's continued success is powered by the best infrastructure, progressive legislation, robust regulation, and an unmatched community,' said Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority. 'Aligned with the D33 Agenda, we are not just driving the future of finance, we are building it together.'
Arabian Post
07-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
Dubai Financial Centre Unveils Global Sustainability Initiative
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The Dubai International Financial Centre has announced the launch of the Future Sustainability Forum, a global platform aimed at accelerating sustainable finance and innovation. Scheduled to take place on 4–5 December 2024 at Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, the event seeks to foster collaboration among industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and technology innovators to address pressing environmental challenges. Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, emphasised the forum's role in advancing climate action through collaborative efforts and innovative financial solutions. The initiative aligns with DIFC's broader commitment to sustainable economic growth and its leadership in the Dubai Sustainable Finance Working Group, established in 2019. ADVERTISEMENT The forum will explore eight core pillars, including sustainable banking and finance, renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and green technology. It aims to channel investment flows between the global north and south, supporting the UAE's Year of Sustainability and its objectives for COP28.
Business Recorder
04-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Dubai Future District Fund supported 190 startups in 2024
The Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF) reported over $1.65 billion in capital commitments and support for more than 190 portfolio companies in 2024. The support came in the form of both direct investments and 12 'Fund of Funds' initiatives, which DFDF in a statement on Tuesday said aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). The figures were released during the Fund's Annual General Meeting. DFDF, whose founding shareholders are Dubai International Financial Centre and Dubai Future Foundation and whose fund size is AED 1 billion, said its efforts reinforced its role in advancing technology, talent, and venture capital in the region. Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy backs 127 startups in Q1 Khalfan Belhoul, DFDF Board of Directors Chairman and CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, said: 'These achievements underscore the central role that the Dubai Future District Fund plays in driving the growth of Dubai's digital economy – one that thrives on innovation and leverages the latest future technologies across key sectors.' Meanwhile Arif Amiri, DFDF Board Member and Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority said, that 'as the Fund continues to position Dubai as a global pioneer for innovation, we are more committed than ever to cultivating collaboration with partners globally who are also committed to driving future economic growth.' Pakistan's tech startups shine at Dubai's GISEC In 2024, DFDF 'went beyond its core investment activities' to showcase how venture capital can serve as a conduit for public-private collaboration and scalable innovation, it said. DFDF invest in funds in early to growth stages, across key sectors in technology that align with Dubai's Economic Agenda D33, including PropTech, HealthTech, LogisticsTech, DeepTech, Circular Economy and Web3. According to its website, it aims to do this 'by boosting venture capital availability through our Fund of Fund investments into local, regional, and international funds, as well as co-investing in their portfolio of startups.' The website explains that DFDF's fund structure is evergreen, which means 'we are not beholden to the 10-year lifespan of a typical VC fund, which allows us to focus on investing into opportunities with various return horizons and take a longer-term view on returns.'
Hi Dubai
03-06-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Future District Fund Reports $1.65 Billion in Capital Commitments and Backs 190 Startups in 2024
The Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF) marked a year of strong strategic growth in 2024, securing over US$1.65 billion in capital commitments and supporting more than 190 portfolio companies through direct investments and Fund of Funds initiatives. The update was revealed during DFDF's Annual General Meeting, where the Board of Directors detailed the Fund's progress in advancing its mandate. Anchored by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), the Fund plays a key role in aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) by fueling innovation and strengthening the venture capital ecosystem. Chairman of the DFDF Board and CEO of DFF, Khalfan Belhoul, said the Fund's achievements underline its role in shaping Dubai's digital economy and investing in future technologies across key sectors. Arif Amiri, DFDF Board Member and CEO of DIFC Authority, emphasized the importance of global collaboration in positioning Dubai as a hub for innovation. In addition to financial backing, DFDF spotlighted its value creation efforts in 2024 through strategic case studies, developed in partnership with institutions across various sectors. These efforts highlight the Fund's role as a bridge between public and private sectors, encouraging scalable innovation. Looking ahead, and in line with the UAE's declaration of 2025 as the Year of the Community, DFDF is set to deepen its focus on fostering inclusive innovation networks. The Fund reaffirmed its commitment to building stronger connections between startups, investors, regulators, and global markets. The Fund's continued momentum reinforces Dubai's growing reputation as a global destination for tech talent and venture investment. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Al Etihad
03-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Dubai Future District Fund drives $1.65bln in capital commitments, powers over 190 startups
3 June 2025 14:33 DUBAI (WAM) The Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF), which is anchored by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), reported a year of strategic growth in 2024, including over $1.65 billion in capital commitments and support for more than 190 portfolio figures were released during the Fund's Annual General Meeting, where the Board of Directors reported progress across its investment mandate. The Fund supported over 190 portfolio companies through both direct investments and 12 Fund of Funds initiatives, which aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).The Fund said these efforts reinforced its role in advancing technology, talent, and venture capital in the Board of Directors Chairman and CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, Khalfan Belhoul, said, 'These achievements underscore the central role that the Dubai Future District Fund plays in driving the growth of Dubai's digital economy – one that thrives on innovation and leverages the latest future technologies across key sectors.'DFDF Board Member and Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, Arif Amiri, said, 'Innovation thrives not in isolation, but within inclusive, connected communities.''As the Fund continues to position Dubai as a global pioneer for innovation, we are more committed than ever to cultivating collaboration with partners globally who are also committed to driving future economic growth.'In 2024, DFDF went beyond its core investment activities to showcase how venture capital can serve as a conduit for public-private collaboration and scalable Fund published value creation case studies in partnership with key institutions across sectors – spotlighting its growing role as a strategic enabler. With the UAE's announcement of 2025 as the Year of the Community, DFDF outlined a renewed commitment to building stronger bridges across the innovation landscape – between founders and funders, startups and regulators, and the region and global markets.
