Top 100 Arabs 2024

20. Essa Kazim

Governor, DIFC

Origin: UAE

Residence: UAE

Sector: Finance

2023 Rank: 20

Essa Kazim stands as a driving force behind the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Under his guidance, the number of active companies surged to 5,523, marking a 26 per cent year-on-year growth in 2023.

DIFC reported combined revenues close to Dhs1.3bn in 2023. The operating profit also soared to Dhs859m, a 27 per cent rise. Kazim is also playing a pivotal role in shaping the regulatory landscape of the financial sector. Notably, the DIFC recently enacted the world’s first digital assets law.

Kazim also serves as the chairman of Borse Dubai, a key player in the region’s financial markets, and as the vice chairman of telecoms operator e&.

Lubna Suliman Olayan