DIFC Collaborates With Institute Of International Finance For Inaugural Dubai Future Finance Week In May 2026

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has partnered with the Institute of International Finance (IIF) to host the first Dubai Future Finance Week in May 2026. This announcement was made at the IIF Annual Member’s Meeting in Washington, D.C., attended by Essa Kazim, DIFC Governor; Timothy Adams, IIF President & CEO; and Arif Amiri, DIFC Authority CEO. This partnership highlights the strong relationship between DIFC and IIF.

The collaboration aims to merge DIFC's vision for advancing finance with IIF's global expertise. Essa Kazim stated, "Our partnership with the Institute of International Finance reflects a shared vision to drive the future of global finance. DIFC and the IIF are influencing the global financial landscape through thought leadership and strategic collaboration. Dubai Future Finance Week will be a powerful platform to convene global leaders and innovators, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a catalyst for forward-looking financial services."

For over ten years, DIFC has been home to IIF in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The partnership aims to advance finance by enhancing global dialogue, policy development, and innovation. As a strategic knowledge partner for Dubai Future Finance Week, IIF will boost its global impact by providing high-level content, research, and insights. Executive roundtables will focus on legal clarity, emerging issues, and international opportunities.

Timothy Adams remarked on this collaboration: "Dubai Future Finance Week provides a perfect opportunity to deepen our relationship with DIFC, whose community includes many of our members in the largest financial services ecosystem across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth in global markets while providing a platform for dialogue on the future of finance."

DIFC will host various events during Dubai Future Finance Week, attracting over 40,000 senior leaders, investors, policymakers, and innovators globally. These events aim to explore trends reshaping finance. The programme is being finalised but promises significant discussions on AI, digital assets, sustainable finance, and other future-focused sectors.

The week’s flagship event is the Dubai FinTech Summit. It will feature discussions that further position Dubai as a leader in financial innovation. This summit will highlight how AI and digital assets can transform finance while promoting sustainable practices.

This initiative reinforces Dubai's role as a hub for forward-thinking financial services. By bringing together industry leaders from around the world, it aims to foster dialogue on critical issues shaping the future of finance.

With inputs from WAM