Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) said it will become the world’s first AI-native financial centre, embedding artificial intelligence across its legal systems, business environment, talent development and infrastructure.
The plan shifts AI from limited use cases to a central role in how the financial hub operates, covering regulation, compliance, services and its physical environment.
DIFC began introducing AI in 2023 with a five-year strategy. It added data governance policies and included AI as Regulation 10 under its Data Protection Law. AI tools are already used to support compliance and client management.
Under the new plan, AI will be built into legal and regulatory frameworks, including rules covering AI systems and robotics. In business operations, it will support workflows, compliance and service delivery.
Economic impact and jobs
DIFC said the program is expected to generate $3.5 billion (AED12.9 billion) in economic value and create about 25,000 jobs.
The centre said its structure allows faster adoption than traditional financial hubs that rely on older systems. It aims to set a global reference point for AI use in finance.
DIFC plans to offer financial firms access to advanced AI tools and will export governance software and trained talent to international markets, including the Global South.
A full AI campus is planned, bringing together regulation, training and computing capacity. The centre will also expand support for start-ups through accelerators, venture platforms and partnerships.
Training programs will be rolled out for local and international talent, covering technical skills, regulation and executive education.
At the infrastructure level, DIFC said it will introduce smart systems across the district, including sensors, robotics, autonomous mobility and digital twins.
By 2030, parts of the centre will operate as a connected urban system with intelligent buildings and automated services. Some maintenance and security functions will be handled by robots, with AI also used to improve energy efficiency.
Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, said the move reflects Dubai’s push to expand its role in global finance and technology.
The centre currently hosts thousands of firms across banking, asset management, financial technology and professional services, serving the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region.
As part of its AI focus, DIFC will host the Dubai AI Festival at Dubai World Trade Centre on October 26 and 27, 2026, with more than 20,000 participants expected from over 100 countries.