Dubai financial center says it will become world’s first AI-native hub

Dubai International Financial Center said it will become the world’s first AI-native financial center, embedding artificial intelligence across its legal frameworks, business environment, talent development systems and physical infrastructure, according to the UAE state news agency WAM.

The Dubai-based financial hub said the plan would move beyond limited AI pilot projects by integrating the technology into the core operations of the center.

DIFC said it began preparing for the shift in 2023 with a five-year AI strategy. It said data governance policies were introduced and AI was incorporated as Regulation 10 under the DIFC Data Protection Law.

The center also said AI has already been deployed to support client compliance and relationship management.

According to DIFC, its Native AI program is expected to generate $3.5 billion in economic benefits, equivalent to AED12.9 billion, and create 25,000 jobs.

The center said its structure gives it an advantage in implementing AI faster than older financial centers that may face legacy regulatory and operational constraints.

DIFC said financial firms operating there would gain access to advanced AI tools. It also said it plans to export AI governance software and trained talent to countries in the Global South.

The center said it would combine physical AI technologies, including robotics, autonomous mobility and digital twins, with financial regulation. It added that it would become the first financial center to offer a full-stack AI campus bringing together regulation, training, computing capacity and physical AI.

Essa Kazim, governor of DIFC, said the initiative marked a major step in Dubai’s ambition to become a global center for the future of finance.

“As artificial intelligence reshapes the international financial landscape, this initiative reinforces Dubai’s role in setting new standards for innovation, trust and competitiveness,” Kazim said, according to WAM.

Arif Amiri, chief executive officer of DIFC Authority, said the move was aimed at embedding AI across legal systems, regulation, talent development and infrastructure.

He said the plan would create measurable economic value and new jobs while setting a global benchmark for AI governance and responsible innovation.

DIFC said it would also establish ethics and governance frameworks covering AI agents and robotics, while integrating AI into enterprise workflows, compliance systems and financial services delivery.

The center said it aims to become the top global destination for AI-in-finance companies, measured by startup density, venture capital funding and unicorn creation.

It added that training programs would be introduced for executives, regulators and technical professionals to support collaboration between humans, AI systems and robotics.

By 2030, DIFC said a significant share of the district would feature intelligent buildings, autonomous transport, service robots, digital twins and smart utilities linked through a sensor-enabled urban system.

It also said AI-driven efficiencies would reduce energy use, while some maintenance and security work would be handled by robots.

DIFC described itself as the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, hosting thousands of registered companies including banks, asset managers, fintech firms and professional services providers.

The center also highlighted the Dubai AI Festival, scheduled for Oct. 26-27, 2026, at Dubai World Trade Center, where it said more than 20,000 participants from over 100 countries are expected.