Arif Amiri

Arif Amiri is the Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority where he is responsible for setting the strategy and growth direction of the Authority. Under his leadership, DIFC has emerged as a powerful catalyst for the financial services sector, as well as the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. Mr. Amiri’s vision for DIFC builds on UAE’s commitment to innovation and economic diversification. Since taking office as the Chief Executive in 2014, he has been delivering on this vision by spearheading DIFC’s drive to advance the innovation agenda and accelerate digital transformation across the entire financial ecosystem. He focuses on ensuring DIFC remains at the forefront of delivering new opportunities for economic growth. Due to his efforts, DIFC is now also recognised as the leading future-of-finance hub in the MEASA region. Mr. Amiri oversees the alignment of the Centre’s role as a major component of Dubai’s Future District, which will support the UAE’s strategic direction for the next 50 years, and further enhance DIFC’s position as a global financial centre, accelerate the advancement of the economy and develop the next generation of financial talent. Prior to joining DIFC Authority, Mr. Amiri held a number of senior positions at Emaar Properties PJSC and HSBC Bank Middle East. Mr. Amiri is a member of Dubai’s Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy. He is the Chairman of the Board of Art Dubai supporting the leadership’s vision to establish Dubai as the hub for the creative economy; a Board Member of the World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC), an association registered in Belgium representing 19 leading international financial centres across four continents; as well as a member of the Institute of International Finance (IIF) Emerging Markets Advisory Council (EMAC), a forum for enhancing the voice of emerging markets institutions on the reform agenda for the global financial system. From 2008 to 2011, Mr. Amiri was the Chairman of the Middle East Investor Relations Society. Forbes names Mr. Amiri as one of the top 100 CEOs in the Middle East, recognising how he is shaping the finance industry and the growing contribution it makes to Dubai’s economy.