Why Chinese institutions are an integral part of DIFC’s growth story
Over the past decade, His Excellency Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, has guided DIFC through record growth whilst positioning Dubai as a future-focused financial powerhouse. As a member of the Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy, he is championing innovation by making DIFC the region’s hub for artificial intelligence, FinTech, and digital assets.
In an exclusive interview with IFN, he stated that AI will transform finance beyond automation. It will redefine how institutions assess risk, engage with clients, and create new products. He also emphasised that the growing presence of Chinese institutions in DIFC reflects the strength of the shared opportunities.
It is also the UAE’s top destination for Chinese financial institutions, with major players such as China International Capital Corporation (CICC), Bank of China and ICBC choosing DIFC as their base to connect with growth markets across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. As the region's sole financial centre operating at scale across all sectors, DIFC is distinctively positioned to not only serve its immediate markets but also to contribute significantly to the development of the global financial landscape.
Arif Amiri
Published: 23/10/2025
5 min read
The Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) has set the goal of positioning Dubai as one of the top four global financial centres by 2033. What role does DIFC play in this ambitious goal? How will AI and other technology help realise the D33 Agenda?
The D33 Agenda is Dubai’s economic strategy, launched to double the economy by 2033 and establish it among the top three global cities, as well top four financial centres. DIFC is central to the delivery of this ambitious vision. As the leading financial hub for the MEASA region, our role is to drive growth, attract global capital, and create the conditions for innovation to thrive. By expanding our ecosystem, advancing our internationally recognised legal and regulatory framework, and developing world-class talent, we are ensuring that Dubai’s financial sector is not only globally competitive today but ready to lead in the decades ahead. We do - after all - have an ambitious target, as you have noted.
Technology, and in particular artificial intelligence, is a fundamental enabler of this ambition. Through the Dubai AI Campus, launched by the DIFC Innovation Hub, we have already attracted more than 180 AI companies. These firms are embedding AI into financial services, from risk management and compliance to product development and client engagement. Such adoption is accelerating Dubai’s trajectory toward achieving its D33 goals and ensuring DIFC remains at the forefront of global financial innovation.
What specific measures have DIFC taken in recent years to attract tech and innovation companies relevant to the finance sector? What achievements have these measures brought? Could you share some case studies of AI application in Dubai’s finance sector?
Our strategy has been to create the region’s most comprehensive ecosystem for FinTech and innovation. The DIFC Innovation Hub is now home to more than 1,500 FinTech and innovation firms, supported by a range of initiatives: cost-effective licences, access to venture capital and accelerators, mentorship programmes, and collaborative workspaces. We also invest in education and training through the DIFC Academy to upskill the workforce in emerging technologies.
The results are clear. DIFC has become the preferred destination of choice for entrepreneurs and investors, with innovation companies forming one of the fastest-growing segments of our community here at DIFC. AI, FinTech and innovation start-ups based in DIFC have secured over USD 4.2bn in funding up to August 2025. Indeed, Dubai's strong growth in this area is reflected in its position as one of the world’s top four FinTech hubs, driven by DIFC Initiatives in the Global Financial Centre Index (GFCI).
We are proud of that development, and it is one backed by tangible developments in the background. AI is already being deployed to identify anomalous transactions and deliver personalised investment strategies. So, these are real-world applications that demonstrate how firms in DIFC are embedding innovation at scale, underlining the Centre’s position as the region’s leading hub for AI-enabled financial services.
From your perspective, how will AI change the future of finance? Amid such trend, how will DIFC further enhance its competitiveness in the future?
AI will transform finance beyond automation. It will redefine how institutions assess risk, engage with clients, and create new products. We anticipate growth in hyper-personalised services, predictive analytics, and highly efficient, secure transactions. AI will also strengthen regulatory oversight by enabling more advanced data analysis, which supports financial stability.
DIFC is ensuring we remain globally competitive by evolving our legal and regulatory framework to support AI adoption, building a talent ecosystem through partnerships with leading academic institutions, and fostering research and development within the sector. For example, the Dubai AI and Web3 Campus, launched by the DIFC Innovation Hub, has already attracted more than 180 companies in its first year, while the DIFC Academy has trained over 46,000 professionals since inception. Our independent regulator, the DFSA, is also continuing to lead with governance frameworks that balance innovation with stability. Together, these factors position DIFC as the region’s most advanced innovation hub and a global leader in AI-driven finance.
There is a surge of interest from Chinese banks, wealth and asset management firms, and large corporations to set up business in DIFC. Could you share some latest data of Chinese institutions that have established a presence in DIFC? Could you introduce the unique advantages of Dubai in attracting tech / AI Chinese companies?
Chinese institutions are an integral part of DIFC’s growth story. We are the only financial centre that has attracted a cluster of Chinese banks. As of mid-2025, we host all major Chinese banks including Bank of China, ICBC, and most recently China International Capital Corporation (CICC), which has expanded its presence through a new DFSA-licensed branch in DIFC. Their decision to expand in DIFC reflects both our strong legal and regulatory environment and Dubai’s role as the gateway to the MEASA region, connecting firms to a market of over 3.7 billion people and an estimated GDP of USD 10.5 trillion.
For Chinese technology and AI companies, Dubai offers unmatched advantages. Our independent legal and regulatory framework, based on English common law, provides clarity and confidence. Our infrastructure, led by the DIFC Innovation Hub and Dubai AI Campus, creates opportunities for collaboration, access to capital, and scale. The presence of Chinese firms within this ecosystem demonstrates the strength of the partnership and the opportunity to expand globally from Dubai.
How do you evaluate the China-Dubai financial cooperation? Could you share any advice for Chinese enterprises seeking development and success in Dubai?
We are acutely aware of the strength of the ties, and the growing presence of Chinese institutions in DIFC reflects the strength of the shared opportunities. Beyond traditional finance, our collaboration now extends into innovation, technology, and sustainable finance, in alignment with the long-term ambitions of both nations.
I encourage Chinese enterprises to leverage the full breadth of DIFC’s ecosystem. Engage with the DIFC Innovation Hub for access to venture funding, mentorship, and partnerships. Understand the legal and regulatory environment overseen by our independent regulator, the DFSA, which aligns with international best practice.
In time, we hope more Chinese firms will come to view Dubai not only as a market but as a platform to expand into MEASA, supported by the world-class infrastructure, connectivity, and talent we have played a part in building here at DIFC. Recent developments, such as the establishment of CICC’s new DFSA-licensed branch, demonstrate how Chinese firms are in fact leveraging DIFC as both a regional operational centre and a launchpad for initiatives aligned with the development priorities of the region. This underlines the confidence these companies are increasingly placing in Dubai’s legal and regulatory framework, and the opportunities DIFC creates for long-term growth and development.
US and Hong Kong have introduced relevant policies on stablecoins. How do you view the development of stablecoins? Any relevant actions have been taken at DIFC?
Stablecoins represent a significant evolution in digital assets, with potential to improve efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in cross-border transactions. The policies in the US and Hong Kong reflect the global recognition of this asset class and the need for clear oversight.
At DIFC, we have taken a proactive approach. DIFC introduced the world’s first digital assets laws to bring confidence to the market. Additionally, the DFSA has established a comprehensive framework for digital assets, including stablecoins, to ensure institutions operate in a secure and transparent environment. This includes robust provisions for anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, and consumer protection. We are not complacent and will continue to lead the way by evolving our world-class regulations as this asset class evolves. By combining innovation with responsible laws and regulation, we are positioning DIFC as a trusted jurisdiction for the development and adoption of digital assets.