DIFC Strengthens Global Family Wealth Hub Status With New Programmes And Partnerships For Future Generations

The DIFC Family Wealth Centre Summit was recently held at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). This event introduced new initiatives and partnerships aimed at strengthening Dubai's status as a leading hub for family wealth management in the MEASA region. The summit brought together family business leaders, entrepreneurs, and experts to discuss strategies for preserving and growing family wealth.

Among the notable speakers were Sima Ganwani of Apparel Group, Muhammad Bin Ghatti from Binghatti Holdings, Muna Al Gurg of Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, Amira Sajwani from DAMAC Properties, and Rahul Jagtiani of Landmark Group. These representatives shared their insights on maintaining family legacies while embracing innovation.

The DIFC Family Wealth Centre announced several initiatives during the summit. One key initiative is the NextGen Leadership Programme, which is set to launch in early 2026. Developed with partners like PwC and Al Tamimi & Company, this programme aims to empower future family business leaders through training and mentorship focused on governance and innovation.

Additionally, a digital platform was introduced to provide seamless access to services, educational programmes, publications, and events. This integrated web and mobile ecosystem will enhance user experience within the DIFC framework. Complementing this is the introduction of Concierge Services tailored for family offices and ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

The centre also signed Memoranda of Understanding with various partners. An agreement with Dubai Land Department (DLD) will allow families to use DIFC legal structures for real estate ownership. Another agreement with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA-Dubai) aims to ease golden visa applications for members.

Mashreq Bank, Standard Chartered, and Emirates NBD have agreed to collaborate further on education, governance, and financial solutions tailored for family enterprises. The centre also introduced its Expert Advisory Council (EAC), which will guide its strategy and reinforce its role as a global platform for family wealth management.

Economic Impact

DIFC hosts over 1,250 family-related entities, including many global private-client institutions. The top 120 families based there manage assets exceeding US$1.2 trillion globally. These families significantly contribute to the UAE's economy by driving around 60 percent of GDP and employing 80 percent of the national workforce.

Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, stated: "Families have always been at the heart of Dubai’s progress... Today, it is a dedicated ecosystem designed to support families as they navigate an increasingly complex global environment." His words highlight DIFC's commitment to supporting family businesses in preserving their legacies amid changing economic landscapes.

DIFC Family Wealth Centre's Role

Established in 2023 as the world’s first centre of its kind, the DIFC Family Wealth Centre offers an integrated platform for succession planning and governance. It continues to attract new families to DIFC with a notable 54 percent increase in family foundations established last year. This growth underscores its pivotal role in supporting UHNWIs globally.

With inputs from WAM