Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) reinforced its status as a leading hub for family wealth in the MEASA region by unveiling a series of initiatives and partnerships at the DIFC Family Wealth Centre Summit.
The event brought together family business leaders, next-generation entrepreneurs, and industry experts to discuss wealth preservation, governance, and intergenerational transition.
Prominent participants included Sima Ganwani of Apparel Group, Muhammad Bin Ghatti of Binghatti Holdings, Muna Al Gurg of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, Amira Sajwani of DAMAC Properties, and Rahul Jagtiani of Landmark Group. Their insights highlighted the intersection of legacy and innovation shaping the future of global family wealth.
Key announcements at the summit included the NextGen Leadership Programme, launching in early 2026 in collaboration with PwC, Al Tamimi & Company, and Hawkamah. The programme will offer mentorship, immersive training, and global best-practice modules to prepare the next generation of family business leaders.
The centre also introduced a digital platform providing seamless access to services, educational programmes, publications, and events. Complementing this is a planned Concierge Service offering bespoke operational, lifestyle, and business support for family offices and ultra-high-net-worth individuals within the DIFC ecosystem.
Strategic partnerships were signed with Dubai Land Department, enabling DIFC structures for real estate ownership, and GDRFA-Dubai to facilitate golden visa applications. Agreements with Mashreq Bank, Standard Chartered, and Emirates NBD aim to provide tailored financial solutions and governance support. An Expert Advisory Council will guide the centre’s strategy and enhance its global thought leadership.
Currently, more than 1,250 family-related entities operate from DIFC, managing over US$1.2 trillion in assets. Family businesses account for around 60 percent of UAE GDP and employ 80 percent of the national workforce. Essa Kazim, DIFC Governor, emphasized that the centre provides families with the governance, advisory access, and structures needed to preserve and grow their legacies amid a historic generational wealth transfer.
Established in 2023, the DIFC Family Wealth Centre continues to attract families, reflected in a 54 percent rise in family foundations over the past year.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
