GATEWAY TO GROWTH
TRADE AVIATION TOURISM FINANCE DUBAI & UAE A Global Hub 2
DUBAI & UAE Opportunity to Increase Contribution 6% 12% 18% to the Dubai GDP 2004 2014 2024 3
WELCOME TO THE DIFC DIFC is one of the world s leading financial centres, connecting regional markets to economies of the world. 4
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE A World Class Legal & Regulatory Environment JULY 2003 MARCH 2004 SEPTEMBER 2004 DECEMBER 2004 UAE constitution amended to allow creation of financial free zone Federal law exempts centre from certain laws, focus on wholesale market Dubai law exempts the centre from rules and regulations otherwise applicable in the emirate Dubai law establishes DIFC courts, our independent, common law judicial system 5
WORLD-LEADING FINANCIAL CENTRE 22,768 workforce 493 financial firms 3.8M SQ.FT of occupied space US$166.1 BN balance sheet, 2,003 active registered firms 6
GLOBAL BUSINESS DESTINATION Since its establishment in 2004, DIFC has solidified its position as a top global business destination attracting 17 out of the top 20 global banks, 12 out of the top 25 global money managers, 6 out of the top 10 global insurance companies and 7 out of the top 10 global law firms. 7
FOCUSED BUSINESS ACTIVITIES With a strategic focus on five key areas of business, the DIFC supports a successful ecosystem across sectors including banks & capital markets, insurance and reinsurance, wealth & asset, management, corporate offices and professional services. 8
0% Tax rate on profits No restriction on foreign talent or employees No restriction on capital repatriation 0% Personal income tax Independent judicial system No currency restrictions 100% Foreign ownership International regulatory environment Central location for key regional activities DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE Financial Free Zone The Advantages 9
DIFC AUTHORITY The management body established to oversee the strategic development, operational management and planning of the Centre. 10
INDEPENDENT CENTRE BODIES Provides independent legal framework & world class business infrastructure and services. World class regulatory framework modeled on internationally accepted standards. Applying international standards of justice within the centre. 11
INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED & INDEPENDENT REGULATION Operating within a UK common law framework, the Centre s unique business environment reinforces it s position as the ideal hub to access the region s rapidly growing demand for both financial and business services. 12
PROVEN LEGAL FRAMEWORK The UAE's most established commercial common law judicial system, arbitration centre, wills & probate registry and Academy of Law. 13
A THRIVING DISTRICT Today DIFC continues to bring together the world s leading financial and non-financial institutions, creating the ideal environment for growth and success within the region and beyond. 14
ENABLING THE EXCEPTIONAL With finance at the heart of its offering, DIFC is quickly transforming into a global calibre destination by enabling the exceptional in business, community and lifestyle. 15
3X GROWTH STRATEGY The Centre will triple its growth by 2024 and establish a world-class destination by deepening and broadening impact for constituents and global sectors, and investing in innovation. 16
DEEPENING THE CORE 30% of the overall growth BUILDING GLOBAL RELEVANCE 20% of the overall growth BECOMING THE HUB FOR SOUTH-SOUTH CORRIDOR 50% of the overall growth 17
DEEPENING THE CORE By 2024, DIFC will host 1,000 active domiciled financial firms, a workforce of 50,000, $250 Bn assets under the administration of fund managers and financial institutions, and a $400 Bn balance sheet. 18
BUILDING GLOBAL RELEVANCE DIFC will continue to target specialised sectors. 19
BECOMING THE HUB FOR SOUTH-SOUTH CORRIDOR 20
ENHANCING THE DIFC EXPERIENCE Opening 2018, Gate Avenue at DIFC creates a seamless and enhanced DIFC experience with artfully designed outdoor and indoor walkways spanning the district. When complete, Gate Avenue at DIFC will add nearly 200 prime retail locations including, ushering in a new age of community innovation. 21
DESIGNING FOR THE FUTURE DIFC will continue to develop its masterplan through innovative projects and improving connectivity to surrounding landmarks including Emirates Towers Business Park. 22
KEY STRENGTHS DIFC s key strengths contribute directly to Dubai s Global Financial Centre Index KPIs defined under Dubai Plan 2021. 23
PIVOTAL GLOBAL ECONOMIC HUB Filling the time-zone gap between the leading financial centres of London and New York in the West, and Hong Kong and Tokyo in the East, DIFC aims to stimulate trade and investment flows along the South-South economic corridor. 24
LEADING NON-OIL GDP CONTRIBUTION DIFC is a primary contributor to Dubai s non-oil GDP, the most important macro-economic indicator as set out by the 2021 vision. 25
LEADING FINANCIAL CENTRE IN MEASA DIFC has achieved signification growth since it's inception. Today the Centre is home to 2,003 active registered companies, 493 financial firms, a workforce of 22,768, 3.8 million sq.ft. of occupied space and a US$166.1 billion balance sheet. 26
PROMOTING REGIONAL THOUGHT LEADERSHIP The Exchange, opening in 2018, is the new state of the art home to Nasdaq Dubai and the premier arena for financial markets and business thought leadership. In addition, The Academy, will establish itself as a regional centre of excellence for executive education & training for the financial industry. 27
ATTRACTING & STRENGTHENING HUMAN CAPITAL DIFC s large pool of world-class human capital includes a concentration of financial expertise and a cluster of highly respected international universities. 28
PROMOTING FINANCIAL SECTOR DEVELOPMENT DIFC continues to drive financial sector development by facilitating industry collaboration through initiatives such the Wealth Management Working Group, the DIFC Insurance Association, as well as a number of knowledge sharing events. By increasing the breadth and depth of the industry, DIFC is playing a key role in the future of finance. 29
PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES FOR THE FUTURE OF FINANCE DIFC is a founding member of the Blockchain Council, and launched the first crowd funding platform in the region. The Fintech Hive at DIFC is the first regional accelerator for Fintech. DIFC maintains innovative SPC, ISPV structures, and was the first to market REITS. 30
THRIVING AND DIVERSE COMMUNITY DIFC is a thriving community with unique lifestyle offerings including an outstanding commercial and residential environment. This includes 13 residential towers, 2 five Star hotels, 14 renowned art galleries, 112 retail outlets with another 200 on the way. 31
THIS IS DIFC Supporting the business success and growth of each our companies, while transforming Dubai and United Arab Emirates into a global hub for institutional finance and a gateway to growth. 32