In a recent statement, Arif Amiri, the CEO of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), highlighted that for over two decades, the DIFC has been pivotal in shaping the future of the regional financial landscape. The centre has experienced remarkable growth, establishing itself as a global hub and a strategic component in Dubai’s smart economic transformation.
During a special interview, coinciding with the conclusion of the inaugural “Dubai Financial Experts Program,” which solidified Dubai’s status as a global financial centre, Amiri noted the DIFC’s impressive track record and forward-thinking vision. This approach has played a crucial role in positioning the emirate as a significant global financial destination, with a strong focus on empowering Emirati professionals and enhancing their leadership capabilities to support the harmonious growth aligned with national ambitions.
Amiri indicated that over the past decade, DIFC has successfully collaborated with exceptional leaders to establish itself as the premier financial hub in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. This success is reflected in the attraction of more than 8,000 leading institutions and providing a dynamic work environment for over 48,800 finance professionals.
Here is an excerpt from the conversation:
The DIFC and the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development recently concluded the first edition of the “Dubai Financial Experts Program.” How significant is this achievement for the centre and for Dubai?
This milestone represents a strategic advancement that transcends the DIFC and outlines a new framework for Dubai’s financial services sector. The “Dubai Financial Experts Program” is the first comprehensive initiative specifically designed to enhance Emirati competencies by equipping them with leadership tools and innovative mindsets necessary for spearheading future transformations in the financial sector.
During an extraordinary six-month journey, participants underwent an unprecedented educational pathway that began with specialized executive training at Oxford University, followed by advanced workshops with elite international experts, culminating in an exploratory trip to Silicon Valley. There, they engaged with 39 global leaders and drew inspiration for innovative, applicable solutions to boost Dubai’s economic growth and reinforce its position as a global hub for the future economy.
This program is more than just a training initiative; it embodies the vision of Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and Chairman of the DIFC. It underscores the importance of national competencies in strategic transformation and ensures Dubai’s journey towards becoming one of the top four global financial centres, aligning with the goals outlined in Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33).
How does this program align with Dubai’s broader economic and strategic aspirations?
The financial services sector is a cornerstone for achieving the objectives of Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33), which prioritizes the financial sector as a key driver of inclusive growth. Our role extends beyond managing balance sheets; we aim to establish a smart economic ecosystem that fosters entrepreneurship, attracts global investments, and lays the groundwork for sustainable prosperity. Achieving the goal of positioning Dubai among the top four global financial centres necessitates advanced institutions and a skilled workforce of international caliber.
Therefore, the “Dubai Financial Experts Program” serves as a strategic tool for empowering a generation of national talents capable of leading the financial transition. We are not merely training experts to fill positions; we are nurturing change-makers who can design future-focused business models that turn challenges into investment opportunities, ensuring that Dubai remains a leading destination on the global economic map.
The Silicon Valley experience received significant attention; what is the importance of this international engagement?
The Silicon Valley visit was designed as a knowledge bridge that connected participants with the latest technological advancements. Meetings with leaders from companies like Nvidia and advanced AI projects supported by a16z provided a unique opportunity to closely explore the mechanics of sophisticated innovation ecosystems.
The most important aspect is not merely the visit itself but the conversion of theoretical knowledge into practical application. This was evident as several participants reimagined their projects and initiated strategic partnerships with the global entities they learned from, highlighting the transformative impact of this international knowledge exchange.
Can you share some examples of the projects developed by the first cohort of the program?
The projects from the inaugural cohort showcased a diverse range of functionalities directly linked to achieving Dubai’s strategic vision. Among the key initiatives was a pioneering project to establish a “Global Logistics Centre,” aimed at reinforcing Dubai’s position as an international hub for supply chain management, storage, and re-export.
Additionally, a unique initiative named “Dubai Empowerment Program” focused on innovative financing strategies to transform social welfare beneficiaries into active partners in the local economic fabric.
One participant proposed a comprehensive vision for a “National Cybersecurity Initiative,” while another project, the “Digital Twins Platform,” developed by participants from the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority and the Dubai Economic Security Centre, demonstrated the capacity to simulate future economic scenarios, allowing decision-makers to manage challenges with exceptional effectiveness.
These projects are not merely ambitious ideas; they are actionable business models that reflect the ability of national talents to translate global visions into tangible contributions that enhance Dubai’s position in the global economic landscape.
In your closing remarks at the final workshop, what message did you want to convey to the participants?
I addressed them as partners in shaping the future economy, emphasizing that the upcoming phase demands they transition from a learning mentality to one of action. The academic knowledge they acquired from Oxford University, the forward-looking insights gained from discussions with global leaders, and the accomplishments they presented during the program must transform into daily operational tools that serve the development endeavors within their organizations.
I wanted them to understand that the leadership of financial transformation now rests in their hands, and every conscious and creative step they take brings us closer to the goal of positioning Dubai among the major global financial centres. The courage to make decisions and the boldness to propose unconventional initiatives are the fuel that will propel our economy towards unprecedented horizons.
Looking ahead, what are the next steps for this program?
Our journey will continue without pause, culminating in a formal graduation ceremony for the first cohort at the Dubai World Trade Centre during the “Mohammed bin Rashid Leaders Summit 2025,” where we will honor participants through an inspiring national platform.
In terms of strategic expansion, we are currently preparing to launch the second edition of the “Dubai Financial Experts Program” in January 2026, with a particular focus on enhancing the successful outcomes achieved by attracting promising Emirati talents and paving the way for a new generation of leaders capable of guiding significant transformations in the financial sector to align with global acceleration and bolster Dubai’s leading position.
Finally, as the CEO of the DIFC for over a decade, how do you envision your personal contribution to Dubai’s journey in becoming a global financial entity?
This historical period has been a privilege accompanied by a deep commitment to achieving the strategic vision. Over the past decade, we have successfully—through collaboration with exceptional leaders—established the DIFC as the foremost financial centre in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia by attracting over 8,000 leading institutions and providing a dynamic work environment for more than 48,800 finance specialists.
My greatest passion revolves around developing and refining talent and unleashing the potential of national competencies. I firmly believe that the next chapters of Dubai’s journey will be written by Emirati talents who challenge the status quo and aspire to set new benchmarks. Through exceptional initiatives like the “Dubai Financial Experts Program,” we strive to equip the emerging generation with intellectual leadership tools, strategic networks, and deep confidence to enable them to shape the future of finance.
The goal is not only to reach the top four global positions but also to create an extraordinary model that redefines excellence standards in the global financial sector. Thus, my mission today is to facilitate nationals’ access to the latest global tools and knowledge and support the transformation of pioneering ideas into tangible projects that contribute to economic growth, removing obstacles to enable them to effectively participate in forging Dubai’s financial legacy.