• Partnership supports DIFC’s Strategy 2030 to position Dubai among the leading global financial centres

Dubai, UAE: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, continues to solidify its role as a global hub for long-term capital deployment by signing an agreement at the Dubai FinTech Summit with the International Private Equity Market (IPEM), the premier relationship broker for private equity.

IPEM events are the definitive meeting place for decision-makers, innovators, and investors shaping the future of private markets. Dubai will complement the current bi-annual IPEM gatherings held in France. IPEM Future will strive to create an immersive experience that allows attendees to gain insights, develop relationships, and engage with the wider private equity community.

The IPEM partnership reinforces DIFC’s position as a world-class ecosystem and platform for private equity markets. Ranked number one in the region in the latest edition of the Global Financial Centre Index (GFCI) rankings, Dubai is categorised by the GFCI as only one of eight cities in the world to be a global leader with ‘broad and deep’ capabilities across all parts of the finance industry, alongside cities including London, New York and Paris.

Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, DIFC Authority, commented: “The current global economic environment has amplified investor appetite for private capital, often viewed as resilient, long-term, and less susceptible to short-term market risks. The partnership with IPEM spotlights Dubai and DIFC as a global destination for long-term capital deployment and aligns with our vision to drive the future of finance and position Dubai among the world’s leading global financial centres in the world.”

Antoine Colson, CEO, IPEM, said: “Dubai is a global hub for creative and transformative capital — a natural home for ‘IPEM Future’. This new event brings together the boldest LPs and GPs backing breakthroughs in AI, climate tech, longevity, space, and more. It is where private capital does not just perform - it transforms.”

Ahead of its Dubai event in December, IPEM brought representatives from the global private capital industry to Dubai FinTech Summit for an introductory visit and participation in an especially curated event. Investors and companies that support the private markets ecosystem discussed using private markets to create long-term value; the role of innovation and technology; the changing investor landscape; and the growing importance of the Middle East.

About IPEM – International Private Equity Market

IPEM serves to connect global private capital industry leaders, investors, advisors, and service providers.

Our international events are held annually in Paris - IPEM Global, the premier summit for global private capital leaders with 6,000+ participants from around the world; in Cannes - IPEM Wealth, focused on the wealth revolution and welcoming nearly 4,000 participants; and, starting in 2025, in Dubai with the launch of IPEM Future — exclusive access to UAE investment leaders shaping tomorrow's capital landscape.

Additionally, IPEM hosts regional events in partnership with local stakeholders in Chicago, Abu Dhabi, and China, while actively exploring opportunities in Latin America, Japan, and more — a reflection of the industry's exciting global expansion and democratization.

About Dubai International Financial Centre

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world’s most advanced financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 77 countries with an approximate population of 3.7bn and an estimated GDP of USD 10.5trn.

With a 20-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the Centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe, and the Americas through Dubai. 

DIFC is home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework, as well as the region’s largest financial ecosystem of 46,000 professionals working across over 6,900 active registered companies – making up the largest and most diverse pool of industry talent in the region. 

The Centre’s vision is to drive the future of finance through cutting-edge technology, innovation, and partnerships. Today, it is the global future of finance and innovation hub offering one of the region’s most comprehensive AI, FinTech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative accelerator programmes, and funding for growth-stage start-ups.  

Comprising a variety of world-renowned retail and dining venues, a dynamic art and culture scene, residential apartments, hotels, and public spaces, DIFC continues to be one of Dubai’s most sought-after business and lifestyle destinations.