The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has solidified its status as a premier global hub for managing family wealth and family businesses, announcing the inclusion of over 1,250 family entities in its comprehensive ecosystem. This development reinforces Dubai’s position as a leading financial center focused on overseeing family assets and preparing future generations for leadership.
During his address at the “2025 Family Wealth Summit,” Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, stated that Dubai has become a “global focal point” for affluent families due to its advanced regulatory environment, collaborative culture, and legislation that supports business sustainability and generational continuity.
Kazim highlighted that the regional economy is on the brink of one of the largest wealth transitions in history, with intergenerational wealth transfers projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030. He emphasized that the decisions made today will influence the ability of these assets to safeguard family legacies and ensure sustainability for future generations.
The DIFC Governor reiterated that current initiatives to support family businesses align with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, aimed at empowering family enterprises through a comprehensive legal, financial, and administrative framework that enables them to reach their full potential across generations.
Kazim emphasized that DIFC has been— and continues to be— a trusted partner for families in this journey by providing advanced regulatory frameworks and governance structures that ensure the sustainability and future growth of these enterprises.
He explained that the Family Wealth Centre at DIFC is the first of its kind in the region, playing a pivotal role in assisting families through an integrated infrastructure that includes legal structures, advisory services, specialized training programs, and connections to 77 global markets, which collectively represent over $11.2 trillion in GDP.
Kazim revealed plans to enhance the ecosystem in 2026, including the launch of the NextGen Leadership Programme in the first quarter, aimed at developing youth skills in governance, innovation, and intergenerational transition. Additionally, a new digital platform and concierge services will be introduced to provide families with a seamless and comprehensive experience in managing their businesses and wealth.
He underscored that the declaration of 2026 as the “Year of the Family” in the UAE reflects the strategic importance of families in the national development trajectory, noting that Dubai has become a preferred destination for families from around the world due to its advanced legislative framework and evolved business environment.
Kazim concluded by affirming that family entities within DIFC not only enhance the local economy but also reinforce Dubai’s role as a leading global center for family businesses and the creation of a sustainable economic legacy for future generations.