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5/1/24, 2:41 PM Unleashing Growth: DIFC Emerges as Premier Global Hub for Family Businesses | iHeartEmirates
His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor, DIFC, said: “Dubai and DIFC have rapidly
positioned themselves as the premier destination for family businesses worldwide. The

exponential growth and expertise witnessed within the Centre, underscores its pivotal role in

shaping the landscape of family wealth.

Today we mark another significant milestone, in the DIFC Family Wealth Centre’s first
anniversary, as we also reflect on DIFC’s innovative 20-year journey that has led us here.

We remain dedicated to providing best-in-class resources to our esteemed members,
nurturing enduring legacies and empowering families for generations to come, as we

together shape the future of finance”.

Top choice for regional and international family businesses

During his welcome address, Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, said:

“DIFC’s rise as a global hub for family wealth stems from its commitment to fostering a
growth ecosystem for the wider financial sector. With a strong pursuit of transparency,

regulation, and knowledge-building, DIFC has earned the trust of 230 banks, including 27 of
the top 29 globally systemic banks, and more than 350 highly reputable wealth and asset

management firms. This momentum is further fuelled by an influx of family businesses and

related entities drawn to DIFC’s lifestyle offerings and its world-class DIFC Family Wealth
Centre, which is built for innovation, succession planning, and future prosperity.”

With more than 440 registered foundations and over 600 active entities affiliated with top

family businesses and individuals, DIFC has seen a surge in interest for family wealth
management. Primarily driven by interest for prescribed companies, or private companies

which can be established by a qualifying applicant or for a qualifying purpose, the Centre’s
commitment towards regulatory transparency and family confidentiality supported an 81 per

cent surge in single family offices, followed by a 12 per cent increase in holding companies,

year-on-year in 2023.

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