#DIFC

VEON to move HQ to Dubai after Amsterdam delisting

Telecoms group VEON to move HQ to Dubai after Amsterdam delisting

The telecom will complete its relocation from the Netherlands – where it moved in 2010 – to Dubai by the end of the second quarter of 2025

Investec expands global reach with Dubai office

South African lender Investec opens office in Dubai’s financial centre

The DIFC has been luring global banks, asset and wealth managers, and hedge funds, and it is now seeing rising interest from South African entities

DIFC launches funds centre Image-Dubai-Media-Office-DIFC

DIFC launches new funds centre, reports rise in firms

The centre has launched a first-of-its-kind DIFC Funds Centre to support hedge fund spinouts, fund platforms as well as boutique wealth and asset management firms

How blockchain lift barriers, unlock growth in Islamic finance

How blockchain can overcome barriers, unlock growth in Islamic finance

The UAE is leading the charge in technological innovation and embracing the digital economy through forward-thinking digital asset regulation

DIFC Courts sets new record with AED 15 billion in claims in H1 2023 Image: DIFC Courts

These sectors are turning to DIFC Courts to resolve disputes

More disputes are being heard by the DIFC Courts, while its digital adoption continues to accelerate.

DIFC-based Aditum and scb partner on first of its kind fund structure -Image-WAM-DIFC

Aditum, SCB partner on new fund structure; 4 funds launched, 10 approved

This launch marks a major milestone as the first fund structure to be made available to UAE investors under the new UAE regulatory regime for public funds

DFSA says company licencing rose by 35% in 2023

Dubai regulator DFSA posts 25% increase in licencing in 2023

The financial regulator registered a 50 per cent year-on-year increase in licence applications across all business models

DIFC underwriting volumes jump 23% in 2023

DIFC underwriting volumes hit record $2.6bn in 2023

New insurance and reinsurance company registrations surged by 20 per cent in 2023, including the first re-domiciliation of a Guernsey-based captive

ICD BROOKFIELD PLACE

Olayan, Lunate acquire stake in ICD Brookfield Place

Lunate and Olayan Financing Company will each possess a 24.5 per cent equity interest in ICD Brookfield Place

UAE visa

Here’s what Dubai’s new 20% tax regime for foreign banks means

The new tax regime clarifies that the headline 9 per cent corporate tax will be creditable against the emirate-level tax on foreign banks

Kim Medina of Knightsbridge Group on the importance of creating wills and trusts

Creating wills, trusts in the UAE: What you should know

In the absence of a well-structured will or trust, beneficiaries in the UAE could encounter several challenges

DIFC enacts comprehensive digital assets law Image-DIFC

Dubai’s DIFC enacts world’s first comprehensive digital assets law

The new legislation came into effect on March 8 and is available for public access through the DIFC’s Legislative Database

DIFC company registrations surge by 34% in 2023

DIFC says company registrations rose by 34% in 2023

The financial hub said 1,451 new companies commenced operations in the centre last year, the highest number of new registrations in 20 years

DFSA issues first ESG fee waiver to Emirates NBD

DFSA issues first ESG fee waiver to Emirates NBD

The waiver applies to all new and repeat issuers who make a relevant application to the financial regulator

Dubai Financial Services Authority registers 117 firms in 2023, reflects 25% YoY growth Image WAM

Dubai Financial Services Authority registered 117 firms in 2023, reflecting 25% growth

The regulator licenced and registered a record-breaking 117 firms during the 12 months. This reflected an increase of 25 per cent from the previous year.

DIFC to organise hedge fund event in May Image WAM DIFC

Dubai: DIFC, HFM partner to launch region’s first hedge fund event in May

The invitation-only event will provide attendees with insightful content sessions, interactive roundtables and integrated networking activities

Dubai's DIFC. (Getty Images)

DIFC: First Future Sustainability Forum to host over 1,000 global industry heads

The first ever Future Sustainability Forum will be held from October 4-5, at the Ritz-Carlton DIFC

Lombard Odier

Swiss bank Lombard Odier plans expansion after getting new Dubai licence

The Swiss bank is expanding its UAE presence as part of a push to tap family wealth and a growing pool of entrepreneurs

DIFC’s five-year innovation strategy for financial services

DIFC unveils five-year innovation strategy for financial services

Investments in fintech is further accelerating the ongoing pace of fintech innovation globally and in Dubai

DIFC to introduce new residential offering Image DIFC

Sales for DIFC’s first premium residential offering to open on Sept 20

Global property consultancy firm Knight Frank has been appointed as the exclusive sales and marketing partner and will be responsible for the sale of the residences

central park

Central Park Towers, DIFC unveils enhanced amenities for tenants

It is home to iconic business brands, and is a landmark destination for events and entertainment

DIFC implements Data Protection Laws Image DIFC

Dubai: DIFC amends data protection regulations

Regulation 10 is the first enacted regulation in the MEASA region on the processing of personal data via autonomous and semi-autonomous systems such as AI or generative, machine learning

artificial intelligence and Web3 licences

Dubai’s DIFC to issue artificial intelligence and Web3 licences

The Dubai AI and Web 3.0 Campus is a dedicated campus for AI and Web3 innovation and will provide physical and digital infrastructure within the DIFC Innovation One new premises

Smart Salem to expand UAE residence visa processing services in DIFC image Dubai Media Office DIFC

Smart Salem, DIFC Services to expand UAE residence visa processing services

More than 100,000 customers have availed residency services and completed medical tests across Smart Salem’s three centres over the past 12 months

DIFC

DIFC’s H1 results show 23% rise in companies joining financial centre

The financial centre saw a steady growth in the number of financially regulated firms establishing their base at DIFC

Lombard Odier

Crypto Oasis Ventures, DIFC to collaborate on accelerator programmes

The partnership is expected to bring immense value to startups participating in DIFC Innovation Hub’s various accelerator programmes this year

DIFC to host first edition of Future Sustainability Forum in Dubai image DIFC_WAM

DIFC to host first Future Sustainability Forum in Dubai

The inaugural forum will be held at the Ritz-Carlton DIFC on October 4-5

DIFC aims to attract 50 hedge funds to Dubai photo courtesy Dubai Media Office twitter

US hedge fund Verition chooses DIFC for global expansion

Verition manages approximately $7.3bn across its strategies, with over 400 employees globally

AllianceBernstein

AllianceBernstein opens new office in DIFC to expand Middle East presence

The global investment firm has secured DFSA licence to locally service and advise clients

Real Estate

Guide to capitalise on UAE’s flourishing real estate market

Real estate investors looking to leverage the boom in the UAE market without committing to a large outlay can use REITs to earn high yields