Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) hosted the region’s leading summit for financial stakeholders this week in an innovative step for family wealth in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA).
DIFC Family Wealth Centre Summit brought together regional and international family business leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry experts to explore how families can preserve their wealth for generations to come.
Real Estate Meets Finance
Amongst the representatives, Muhammad Bin Ghatti, Chairman of Binghatti Holdings; Muna Al Gurg, Vice Chairperson of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, and Amira Sajwani, Managing Director of DAMAC Properties attended the Summit.
In keeping with DIFC’s embrace of local talent, all three entrepreneurs were Emirati yet their outreach with international business in the hub of Gulf finance is no coincidence.
Business & Banking Meets Local Talent
DIFC’s holders including Binghatti and DAMAC are collaborating with international clients.
PwC, AI Tamimi & Company and Hawkamah are developing the NextGen Leadership Programme alongside the Centre in a grand partnership supported by international giants, but guided by local talent.
According to PwC, the flagship programme aims to empower the next generation of family business leaders through immersive training, mentorship, and global best-practise models focussed on governance, innovation, and intergenerational transition.
In separate agreements, Mashreq Bank, Standard Chartered, and Emirates NBD are set to deepen cooperation with the Centre on education, governance, and tailored financial solutions for family enterprises.
Dubai’s Strength as a Hub of Family Enterprise
To date, more than 1, 250 family entities call DIFC home.
Collectively, the top 120 families based in DIFC manage over 1.2 trillion (USD) in assets globally contributing significantly to the UAE’s economy.
Upon welcoming delegates to the Summit, H.E. Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC said: “Families have always been at the heart of Dubai’s progress, shaping the emirate’s prosperity and global reputation across generations.”
Regional Comparison: London, Singapore, and Switzerland
DIFC’s message is no coincidence.
London, Singapore, and Switzerland are historical hubs for high-worth capital by high net-worth individuals.
However, high fiscal burdens, visa restrictions, and trade tariffs are resetting the dial as the UAE’s golden visa scheme, income tax, and low corporation tax rates entice high net worth executives, families, and banks.
According to global wealth professionals, the supply for wealth advisers speaking Cantonese or Mandarin is failing to keep up with demand in Dubai and Abu Dhabi said Prashant Tandon, managing director of Lighthouse Canton’s UAE business to Gulf News.
Growth of International Family Foundations
Specifically, the number of family-related Chinese firms relocating to DIFC is surging indicating a shift in focus from local to international wealth preservation across family firms and international banks in the UAE’s finance hub.
Whilst Singapore remains a primary hub for Chinese capital, Chinese entrepreneurs are increasingly putting their capital in Dubai.
Growth of DIFC continues to surge, reflected in a 54% uptick in family foundations established in the past year.
FDI Outreach All Round
The Summit finished as his Highness, UAE Vice-President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the establishment of the National Investment Fund with an initial injection of Dh36.7bn, in a perfect flyby at Dubai Airshow 2025.
The DIFC’s outreach aligns with the UAE’s global strategy, building stronger links with international family firms and major banks.
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