DIFC✓

Absa Group has opened in #DIFC, strengthening its connections with Gulf-based investors and businesses seeking opportunities across African markets. Its new office supports the bank’s international growth strategy, bringing its extensive African network and sector expertise closer to regional sources of capital. Absa’s expansion reflects DIFC’s growing role as a gateway for trade and investment between the Middle East and Africa, providing a globally connected financial ecosystem that enables institutions to build cross-border partnerships and access new markets. #WeChoseDIFC Read more:

As artificial intelligence reshapes global finance, the next frontier extends beyond financial services to the very foundations of international financial centres. Reinforcing the vision championed through the Dubai AI Festival, hosted by DIFC, His Excellency Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, shares DIFC's ambition to become the world's first AI-native international financial centre, exploring how trusted governance, AI-enabled operations, future-ready talent and intelligent infrastructure can redefine how financial institutions operate, connect and grow. From advancing regulatory frameworks to integrating AI agents, robotics and smart district technologies, the article examines DIFC's approach to embedding intelligence across its ecosystem, with the ambition of generating USD 3.5 billion in economic value and creating 25,000 jobs. Read the full article:

Dubai AI Festival 2026 showcased the technologies, partnerships and bold ideas driving the future forward. Over two inspiring days, innovators, business leaders and decision-makers came together to explore AI's transformative potential, build new connections and unlock opportunities for collaboration. As the energy of the festival carries forward, attention now turns to Dubai Future of Finance Week next week, where the next chapter of conversations around innovation, finance and the future will unfold.

RT @DXBMediaOffice: Hamdan bin Mohammed: Today, I attended the opening of the 3rd Dubai AI Festival, which brings together more than 20,000 participants from 100 countries, 150 speakers, 500 investors and 200 exhibitors. I also reviewed the achievements of Dubai AI Campus at DIFC and its latest expansion within Zabeel District. The Campus has attracted more than 500 specialised companies and over AED 1 billion in investment, achieving its targets 2 years ahead of schedule. We have now set our sights even higher, with a new target of attracting more than 1,000 specialised companies by 2030. In Dubai, we continue to raise our ambitions, positioning the city at the forefront of AI and shaping the future of the global economy.

Convened by DIFC, day one of the Dubai AI Festival 2026 highlighted Dubai's growing position as a global hub for artificial intelligence, bringing together industry leaders, technology pioneers and innovators to shape the future of AI. From insightful panel discussions to an exhibition of cutting-edge technologies, the Festival showcased the ideas, partnerships and solutions accelerating AI adoption and supporting Dubai's vision for a world-leading AI-powered economy. Read more:

The Dubai AI Festival opened today, spearheaded by DIFC and bringing the global AI community together to shape the conversation around the future of business, finance and the global economy. In his opening remarks, His Excellency Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, highlighted Dubai’s commitment to turning AI ambition into action, including DIFC’s vision to become the world’s first AI-native international financial centre, where innovation creates meaningful value for businesses and society.

From 2 to 6 November, Dubai Future Finance Week will convene global financial leaders, policymakers, investors and innovators at DIFC to explore emerging trends, exchange perspectives and advance conversations shaping the future of global finance. Bringing together expertise from across the international financial ecosystem, the week will provide a platform for strategic dialogue, innovation and collaboration across the industry's most pressing priorities.

DIFC, in partnership with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), will host the Regional Economic Outlook for the Middle East and North Africa on Thursday 22 October at 11:30 am at the DIFC Atrium Moderated by Abeer Abu Omar, the session will feature Jihad Azour, Hasan T. Alhasan, Monica Malik, Dr Carole Nakhle for a discussion on the economic outlook and key developments shaping the region. Register here:

Dubai AI Festival 2026 will convene global policymakers, technology leaders, investors and innovators on 26–27 October at Dubai World Trade Centre, advancing international collaboration and accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence across industries. Organised by Dubai AI Campus at DIFC, in partnership with the Office of the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, the third edition will take place under the theme "Where Intelligence Meets Opportunity", with attendees from over 100 countries expected, alongside 150+ speakers, 500 investors and 200 exhibitors. From AI governance and investment to enterprise transformation and emerging technologies, the Festival will explore the transition from experimentation to implementation, strengthening the connections between technology, capital and policy that will shape the future of the global AI economy. Register here:

A new artistic perspective unfolds at Tabari Artspace, where contemporary expression and compelling narratives invite a closer exploration of art and its many interpretations. On view until 8 January 2027.

Dubai AI Festival brings together global leaders, industry pioneers and innovators to advance conversations on the future of artificial intelligence, explore emerging opportunities and accelerate the adoption of technologies transforming industries and economies worldwide. Join us on 26–27 October. Register here:

Renowned Emirati artist Abdulqader Al Rais shares the stories and inspirations behind his work, reflecting on the influence of heritage, memory and personal experiences throughout his artistic journey. On view at Opera Gallery until 25 October.

Strength, flexibility and balance came together in a DIFC Yogalates session, combining the fluidity of yoga with the precision of Pilates.

In this episode of #DIFCUnplugged, Husni Khuffash, Managing Director, Middle East and Africa at Positron AI, shares his perspectives on the evolving AI landscape, the growing significance of AI inference and the company’s decision to establish its first international office at DIFC. Ahead of the upcoming Dubai AI Festival, the discussion examines the technologies and economic considerations driving AI adoption at scale, and the region’s expanding role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence. Listen to the full episode on Spotify and YouTube.

In Leaders on the Move, leaders from across diverse industries shared valuable perspectives on leadership, innovation and the evolving landscape of their respective sectors. A series of conversations reflecting the depth of expertise, experiences and diversity of thought within DIFC’s community.

DIFC and S&P Global Ratings convened industry leaders and financial experts for the 16th Annual Islamic Finance Conference at The Atrium, DIFC. The conference brought forward perspectives on the outlook for Islamic finance in 2026 and 2027, examining evolving market dynamics, emerging opportunities and the forces shaping the industry’s next phase of growth.

DIFC Family Wealth Centre and the Arab International Women’s Forum convened business leaders from across the region at DIFC for ‘Women-Led Family Business in the Global Economy’, examining the evolving role of women in shaping leadership, governance and succession across family enterprises. The event also marked the launch of the Women in Family Leadership and Governance Programme, developed in collaboration with Hawkamah and AIWF to further strengthen women’s leadership and contribution to the long-term success of family enterprises.

As Chair of the Dubai Sustainable Finance Working Group, DIFC hosted the 14th Clean Energy Business Council Annual Summit, bringing together government leaders, investors, financiers and industry experts to advance dialogue on the future of energy and sustainability across the region. Discussions explored priorities including climate finance, industrial decarbonisation, water and energy security, circularity and the evolving demands shaping MENA’s energy landscape.