Tag: DIFC

DIFC announces decarbonation strategy, achieving Net Zero by 2045 at Future Sustainability Forum 2024

– DIFC has announced its Decarbonisation Strategy, reinforcing its commitment to being a sustainability leader in the region
– DIFC is playing a key role in the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Goals, aiming to reach net zero by 2045, with targeted emission reductions across operations, construction, and supply-chain
– The Centre published its inaugural Sustainability Progress Report, titled “Building a Sustainable Future: DIFC’s Path to Impact”
– The Future Sustainability Forum 2024, brought together 3,000 industry leaders, government officials, and sustainability experts to explore innovative solutions to achieve net-zero targets, advance sustainable finance, and drive green innovation

“The Future Sustainability Forum serves as a critical platform that enables global collaboration, knowledge sharing, and finding practical solutions for climate change and sustainable development. In light of COP29 outcomes, we are pleased to announce DIFC’s Decarbonisation Strategy, where we are setting new standards for environmental leadership. We remain at the forefront of solidifying Dubai’s position as the leading sustainable financial city in the region. Today, we are setting a new benchmark for decarbonisation within global financial centres and aim to achieve Net Zero in 2045, five years ahead of the UAE’s targets.” – His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region, today announced several updates at the 2nd edition of the Future Sustainability Forum, that advance its position as the region’s leading sustainability finance hub.


Building on the outcomes of COP29, the legacy of COP28 with its landmark UAE Consensus, which was hosted in Dubai last year, DIFC has unveiled its Decarbonisation Strategy, reinforcing its commitment to being a sustainability leader in the region. The Centre will play a vital role in contributing to the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategic initiative, by committing to achieve its Net Zero targets by 2045. In its Decarbonisation Strategy, DIFC targets reducing emissions in areas it directly controls relating to its operations, construction activities and supply chain, setting an example for financial centres worldwide. DIFC’s Strategy aims to achieve real Net Zero, without offsetting or trading carbon emissions.

The event also served as a platform to launch DIFC’s inaugural Sustainability Progress Report titled ‘Building a Sustainable Future: DIFC’s Path to Impact’ detailing achievements and a roadmap for sustainability.

The Forum also hosted the Climate Tech World Cup. Organised by Trescon and powered by Ignyte, it is a call to action for entrepreneurs, innovators, and visionaries from across the globe. Participants were encouraged to present their ideas and solutions to the pressing environmental challenges of our time. Finalists included Acklo, Baynunah Watergeneration Technologies, Green Worms, Mahawa, The Surpluss, Sirius Energy and Zeroe.

COP29 signified the midpoint of the “COP Presidencies Troika”, a collaborative effort between the UAE (hosted COP28) and Brazil (host to COP30 in 2025) that aims to accelerate progress toward the 1.5°C goal. DIFC’s Future Sustainability Forum and announcements come amidst new targets and outcomes from COP29, which will strengthen the UAE’s efforts to mitigate climate risk.

His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, commented: “The Future Sustainability Forum serves as a critical platform that enables global collaboration, knowledge sharing, and finding practical solutions for climate change and sustainable development. In light of COP29 outcomes, we are pleased to announce DIFC’s Decarbonisation Strategy, where we are setting new standards for environmental leadership. We remain at the forefront of solidifying Dubai’s position as the leading sustainable financial city in the region. Today, we are setting a new benchmark for decarbonisation within global financial centres and aim to achieve Net Zero in 2045, five years ahead of the UAE’s targets.”

Figures from Bloomberg’s Capital Markets League Tables has showed that annual issuances of green social, sustainable, and sustainability-linked bonds (GSSB) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) in 2023 hit a new record of USD 24bn, driven by the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The UAE leads regional green bond issuance, recently reaching USD 10.7bn, up nearly 170 per cent and capturing approximately 45 per cent of regional totals.

As a leader in global climate action, the UAE has strengthened its role in driving efforts to mobilise climate finance with several global initiatives. These efforts advance the global climate agenda, further international co-operation in environmental sustainability, and support the green transition. DIFC is also bolstering its position as a regional and global hub for sustainable finance, innovation, and leadership, building on the dialogues initiated during COP28 and enhanced through COP29.

Launched during COP28, the DIFC Sustainable Finance Catalyst is a cornerstone initiative in supporting start-ups and innovation in the sustainable economy by scaling sustainable financial flows from Dubai to USD 100bn by 2030, enabled by the first AI-driven sustainability knowledge hub. A workstream for the Future Sustainability Forum will be added to the 2025 Dubai FinTech Summit, creating opportunities for cross-sectoral growth between sustainability, ESG and innovation.

Bringing together 3,000 industry leaders, government officials, and sustainability experts to explore innovative solutions for achieving net-zero targets, advancing sustainable finance, and driving sustainability-led innovation, the Future Sustainability Summit hosted over 500 global investors and more than 100 speakers.

The 2nd edition of the Future Sustainability Forum is supported by:

Strategic Government Partners: Dubai Municipality, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
Strategic Partner: DIFC Sustainable Finance Catalyst
Presenting Sponsor: Commercial Bank of Dubai
Powered By: Mashreq
Platinum Sponsors: Deloitte, Esyasoft
Gold Sponsor: Emirates NBD
Mobility Partner: Salik
Silver Sponsors: Barclays, S&P Global, Hedge5, Ahya, Blue Sun
Roundtable Sponsors: LSEG, Vision Bank
Corporate Pledge Partner: TIGRUS Restaurant Holding
Bronze Sponsors: White Hydrogen, Zero, Al Masaood, United Arab Bank, GIM-UEMOA, Pasqal, Ajman Bank, Lafarge, TRST01, TENDERD
Official Media Partner: Arabian Business
Ecosystem Partner: Entrepreneur Middle East
Financial Sustainability Media Partner: The Fintech Times
Official Sustainable Economy Partner: Finance World Magazine
Technology Media Partner: Mena Tech

About Dubai International Financial Centre

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world’s most advanced financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 77 countries with an approximate population of 3.7bn and an estimated GDP of USD 10.5trn.

With a 20-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the Centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe, and the Americas through Dubai. 

DIFC is home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework, as well as the region’s largest financial ecosystem of 43,800 professionals working across over 6,150 active registered companies – making up the largest and most diverse pool of industry talent in the region. 

The Centre’s vision is to drive the future of finance through cutting-edge technology, innovation, and partnerships. Today, it is the global future of finance and innovation hub offering one of the region’s most comprehensive FinTech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative accelerator programmes, and funding for growth-stage start-ups.  

Comprising a variety of world-renowned retail and dining venues, a dynamic art and culture scene, residential apartments, hotels, and public spaces, DIFC continues to be one of Dubai’s most sought-after business and lifestyle destinations. 

For further information, please visit our website: difc.ae, or follow us on LinkedIn and X @DIFC.

For media enquiries, please contact: 

Nivine William | Nisha Celina
Burson | bursonglobal.com
nivine.william@bursonglobal.com | nisha.celina@bursonglobal.com

Rasha Mezher | Dubai International Financial Centre Authority  
Manager, Marketing & Corporate Communications
+9714 3622451
Rasha.Mezher@difc.ae

Shadi Dawi
Senior Director – PR & Media
+971 55 498 4989
shadi@tresconglobal.com 

Dubai FinTech Summit gathers industry leaders to drive the agenda for the future of FinTech

Dubai FinTech Summit, organised by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) – held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE and President of DIFC – hosted on Tuesday the DFS Dialogues roundtable bringing together key stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to collaboratively shape the agenda for the 2nd edition of Dubai FinTech Summit at the Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, on 6-7 May 2024.



During the invitation only DFS Dialogues session, 30+ industry leaders participated in in-depth discussions to chalk out key themes for the upcoming summit. This served as a platform for experts to rank the relevancy of various topics with Regulatory Framework, Eco-Finance and Fintech 2.0 gaining significant traction.

Mohammad Alblooshi, CEO of DIFC Innovation Hub, commented, “Dubai is at the heart of everything FinTech and its global penetration has continued to disrupt the way traditional financial services operate. In line with the D33 Agenda to position Dubai as the top four global financial hub by 2033 and DIFC’s 2030 strategy to shape the future of finance and innovation, the 2nd edition of the Dubai FinTech Summit is designed to encourage cross-border collaboration and innovation, pivotal to transforming the global FinTech sector. It presents a unique opportunity to explore emerging FinTech trends and their potential to drive financial progress in the MEASA region.”

During the DFS Dialogues session, ENBD signed an agreement to join the summit as the official premium banking partner highlighting its commitment to drive innovation within the financial sector. The e& group also signed an agreement to join as the official event headline partner which showcases their continuous effort to support innovative and future thinking businesses on a global scale.

Khalifa Al Shamsi, CEO of e& life, said, “The Dubai FinTech Summit represents an innovative platform where industry leaders from around the world come together to redefine the future of the financial landscape. It is a testament to Dubai’s visionary leadership in establishing a world-class FinTech hub where technological advancement and financial empowerment go hand in hand. At e&, we believe in the power of technology to drive economic growth and enhance financial inclusion. With our cutting-edge digital solutions and connectivity, we continuously strive to facilitate progress through innovation and collaboration. We are proud to sponsor DFS 2024 as part of our ongoing commitment to support the FinTech ecosystem in UAE and beyond.”

Abdulla Qassem, Group Chief Operating Officer at Emirates NBD, said: “Emirates NBD is proud to be at the forefront of these exclusive strategic conversations that bring together industry pioneers. These dialogues are fundamental in shaping the UAE fintech industry’s future and setting the agenda for the Dubai FinTech Summit 2024. The upcoming event serves as a key platform for fostering global FinTech advancements. Emirates NBD’s participation reflects our continuous commitment to embracing innovation in banking. It’s a crucial opportunity to engage with the latest trends and insights that will shape the future of finance.”

The day closed with FinTech start-ups from across the UAE participating in the Fintech World Cup Dubai regional qualifying round with Yabx Technologies emerging victorious and entering the coveted Grand Finale set to take place during the Dubai Fintech Summit 2024 where the winner will have the chance of securing USD 1 mn in investment. It will also offer a platform for the winners of each of the regional finals to showcase their solutions to a global audience of investors and potential partners. Winners will also gain access to mentorship by esteemed judges, global brand exposure, industry recognition and a path to success through strategic synergies and partnerships.

The FinTech World Cup is holding multiple regional qualifying rounds across 10 strategic FinTech hubs around the world where local FinTechs can apply to become a part of the finale. Some of the regional competitions, already conducted in collaboration with partners, have identified winners who represent the pinnacle of FinTech innovation in their respective regions.  These winners include Monak E-services from Saudi Arabia; Audax from Singapore and Xaults Technologies from India.

Dubai FinTech Summit 2024 will see an unprecedented gathering of over 8,000 decision-makers, 300+ thought leaders across 5 stages and 200+ exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge technologies.

Visitors can purchase tickets for the Dubai FinTech Summit 2024, with early bird prices ending soon.

About Dubai International Financial Centre

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world’s most advanced financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 72 countries with an approximate population of 3bn and an estimated GDP of USD 8trn.

With a close to 20-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the Centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe and the Americas through Dubai.

DIFC is home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework, as well as the region’s largest financial ecosystem of over 39,000 professionals working across over 4,900 active registered companies – making up the largest and most diverse pool of industry talent in the region.

The Centre’s vision is to drive the future of finance through cutting-edge technology, innovation, and partnerships. Today, it is the global future of finance and innovation hub offering one of the region’s most comprehensive FinTech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative accelerator programmes, and funding for growth-stage start-ups.

Comprising a variety of world-renowned retail and dining venues, a dynamic art and culture scene, residential apartments, hotels and public spaces, DIFC continues to be one of Dubai’s most sought-after business and lifestyle destinations.

For further information, please visit our website: difc.ae, or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @DIFC.

For media enquiries, please contact:

ASDA’A BCW | +9714 4507600
DIFC@bcw-global.com

Rasha Mezher | Dubai International Financial Centre Authority  
Consultant, Marketing & Corporate Communications
+9714 3622451
t – rasha.mezher@difc.ae

Driving Action for Global Climate Change: Over 1000 global industry leaders to convene in Dubai at upcoming Future Sustainability Forum hosted by DIFC

Dubai is set to take centre stage on action for climate change as Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial hub in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, is gearing up to host the first ever Future Sustainability Forum (“The Forum”) to be held 4-5 October 2023, at the Ritz-Carlton DIFC.


Set to attract over 1000 industry leaders, including more than 50 speakers, representing 30 countries, the 2-day Forum will explore how the financial sector can lead the charge in addressing climate change, promoting a just transition to a sustainable economy, and aligning efforts with the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.

Globally, an estimated USD 3.3 – 4.5tn is required annually to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This has called forth the sustainable debt market, which has been growing at pace driven by strong demand from investors and rising expectations for governments and organisations to deliver on their sustainability commitments.

Mohammad AlBlooshi, Chief Executive Officer, DIFC Innovation Hub, said: “We are thrilled to welcome over 1000 global leaders to the inaugural Dubai and the Future Sustainability Forum. The Forum will focus on mobilising sustainable finance and innovation by connecting industry leaders, investors, tech disruptors, and policy makers, and help channel investment flows between the global north and global south, to accelerate climate action. Our mission is clear: We want to pioneer change, foster collaboration, and ensure that the finance sector stands at the forefront of sustainable practices.”

The Forum’s Agenda supports COP28’s 4-pillar plan on fast-tracking the transition, fixing climate finance, focusing on adaptation to protect lives and livelihoods, and making COP28 fully inclusive.

In addition to keynote addresses by H.E. Essa Kazim, Governor, DIFC; and Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, DIFC Authority; the line-up of speakers will feature eminent leaders including a fireside chat with H.E. Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, United Arab Emirates and Honourable Quincia Gumbs-Marie, Minister of Sustainability, Innovation and the Environment, Government of Anguilla.

Dr. Ayesha Alnuaimi, Director of DEWA’s Solar Innovation Centre and Amal Larhlid, Partner Sustainability at PwC; Florence Bulte, Chief Sustainability Officer of Chalhoub Group and Rajesh Garg, Group CFO and Chief Sustainability Officer of Landmark Group; will speak on behalf of the corporate sector.

The forum is a key platform to discuss the topic of environmental conservation and private investment, which will be delivered by a distinguished speaker line-up including Ghiwa Nakat, Executive of Greenpeace MENA; Laila Abdullatif, Director General of Emirates Nature – WWF; Dr Abid El Moubadder, Chief Executive Officer, Emirates District Cooling;  Satya Tripathi, Secretary-General of the Global Alliance for a Sustainable Planet; Matt Brown, Chief Sustainability Officer, Expo City Dubai; Thomas Bosse, Head of Carbon Unit, Neom and Shivam Kishore, Senior Advisor at the United Nations Environment Programme.

Representatives of the financial sector include, Nader Albastaki, Managing Director of Dubai Future District Fund; Suhail Bin Tarraf, Group Chief Operating Officer of First Abu Dhabi Bank; Vijas Bains, Group Chief Sustainability Officer, Emirates NBD; Simon Thompson, Chief Executive Officer, The Chartered Banker Institute; Shargiil Bashir, Chief Sustainability Officer, First Abu Dhabi Bank and Nameer Khan, Founder of FILS and Chairman of the MENA Fintech Association.

The Future Sustainability Forum will also put the spotlight on the UAE’s sustainable practices particularly within the financial ecosystem, inviting global experts to connect, collaborate and share insight to accelerate the global transition towards a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. Panel discussions and sessions include: ‘Supporting corporates in embedding ESG within their organisations’; ‘Empowering companies to design their path to Net-Zero’; ‘Unlocking the potential of ESG-driven innovation’; ‘Fostering sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems’; and ‘Transforming capital to drive the low carbon transition’.

Central to DIFC’s programme in the run up to COP28, the inaugural Future Sustainability Forum, further demonstrates the Centre’s commitment to play a leading role in advancing COP28 priorities, aligned with DIFC’s chairmanship of the Dubai Sustainable Finance Working Group (DSFWG), established in 2019.

To register for the Future Sustainability Forum visit: www.futuresustainabilityforum.com.

About Dubai International Financial Centre

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world’s most advanced financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 72 countries with an approximate population of 3 billion and an estimated GDP of USD 8 trillion.

With a close to 20-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the Centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe and the Americas through Dubai. 

DIFC is home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework, as well as the region’s largest financial ecosystem of over 39,000 professionals working across over 4,900 active registered companies – making up the largest and most diverse pool of industry talent in the region. 

The Centre’s vision is to drive the future of finance through cutting-edge technology, innovation, and partnerships. Today, it is the global future of finance and innovation hub offering one of the region’s most comprehensive FinTech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative accelerator programmes, and funding for growth-stage start-ups.  

Comprising a variety of world-renowned retail and dining venues, a dynamic art and culture scene, residential apartments, hotels and public spaces, DIFC continues to be one of Dubai’s most sought-after business and lifestyle destinations. 

For further information, please visit our website: difc.ae, or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @DIFC. 

For media enquiries, please contact:   

Omar Nasro
ASDA’A BCW | +9714 4507600 
omar.nasro@bcw-global.com  

Rasha Mezher | Dubai International Financial Centre Authority  
Consultant, Marketing & Corporate Communications
+9714 3622451
t-rasha.mezher@difc.ae