His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC discusses the Centre as part of the Young Economist Programme
Dubai, UAE, 21st October 2020: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region has welcomed the first batch of Emirati students from the Young Economist Programme, an initiative by the Federal Youth Authority. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, the programme is a first of its kind in the Arab world and aims to build the capabilities of youth to become future leaders in business and economics.
The briefing was attended by the first cohort of 50 young people who were selected to join the prestigious programme. The event was held in DIFC’s FinTech Hive at Gate Avenue and featured sessions from speakers including H.E. Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC and members of DIFC’s senior management.
In his welcome remarks, H.E. Essa Kazim provided insight to the DIFC which is home to more than 2,500 companies including more than 230 FinTech firms. Attendees learned how Dubai’s finance industry contributes for a third of the Emirate’s GDP. Sessions also highlights how DIFC is the region’s largest financial ecosystem and home to start-ups, entrepreneurs and leading financial firms who use DIFC to access the fast-growing markets of the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. The cohort also gained knowledge on how DIFC clients collaborate to address scenarios and create solutions to tomorrow’s financial challenges, whilst shaping the future of finance. Many students were also intrigued to understand more about DIFC’s comprehensive regulatory and legal infrastructure.
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 a nominal GDP of USD 7.7 trillion.
With a 16-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 more than 25,000 professionals working across over 2,500 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. Today, it offers 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 Twitter @DIFC.