Dubai's strategic vision for the future of finance
In this article, originally published in Gulf Business as part of the Power Letters 2026 series, His Excellency Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, discusses the deeply inclusive, collaborative and connected future of global finance - fuelled by innovation.
Arif Amiri
Published: 07/01/2026
5 min read
The global financial services industry is undergoing significant transformations driven by shifting capital flows, technological innovation and the rise of emerging markets. New opportunities are emerging in high-growth sectors such as fintech, private credit and digital assets.
This evolution is not without challenges. Inflationary pressures, protectionism and regulatory fragmentation demand agility and innovation from industry leaders. The future of global finance hinges on its ability to adapt to these changes, embrace inclusivity and leverage technology to create a more interconnected, inclusive and resilient financial ecosystem.
The future of wealth is set to be defined by unprecedented growth, mobility and transformation. Wealth is undergoing a shift in two ways: from traditional investment channels to alternative asset classes, and from well-established financial centres to new, emerging markets that hold the promise of wealth preservation and creation, among which Dubai is the most promising. As the global number of millionaires and ultra-high-net-worth individuals steadily rises, private capital is emerging as the new frontier for wealth creation and management. Emerging financial centres are offering investor-friendly reforms and ambitious innovation agendas to become hubs for private wealth and global capital.
Dubai has positioned itself as a next-generation financial city that blends the institutional strength of developed markets with the entrepreneurial energy of emerging economies. A key contributor to Dubai’s rise as a leading global financial centre is the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and its many initiatives aimed at boosting the financial landscape in the emirate. Perhaps among the most pertinent measures is the setting up of a trusted regulatory and legislative environment, such as an independent common law framework, that contributes to the efficiency of world-class infrastructure and forms the basis of a vibrant ecosystem.
From all quarters of the world, financial enterprises, innovators, start-ups, family businesses, and financial service entities including wealth and asset management firms and hedge funds, have launched operations at DIFC, recognising the strength of progressive regulations catering to property, data protection, digital assets, corporate structure, and more, which lend greater flexibility, inclusiveness, and alignment with international standards.
Another decisive indicator of economic development and competitiveness is talent flow. DIFC’s growing talent community of over 48,000 professionals and ongoing investments in innovation are building the foundations for the next era of finance. As a launchpad for startups, entrepreneurs, and AI creators, the DIFC Innovation Hub’s strength lies in fostering the growth and development of technology and innovation companies, attracting many companies to the centre.
As a financial centre with a strategic location, Dubai fosters connectivity to the rest of the world. This has brought many companies to the emirate, further enabled by DIFC initiatives. Through the Centre, enterprises and wealthy individuals can access more than 470 wealth and asset management firms, a diversified FinTech ecosystem, entities innovating in the field of artificial intelligence, and a network of financial institutions, including banks, global money managers, and insurance brokers, as well as family offices that are driving growth and scaling operations out of this market.
Within the evolving global financial landscape, Dubai’s innovation-friendly, broad and deep financial services ecosystem sets it apart from other financial centres. Dubai is shaping the future of finance and delivering stability, scalability and opportunity for businesses and investors worldwide.