Dubai, UAE – Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, today announced that its innovative employee workplace savings plan, the DIFC Employee Workplace Savings (DEWS) scheme, has surpassed USD 1bn in Assets under Administration (AuA).

Launched in February 2020, DEWS was the first initiative of its kind in the region, representing a transformational step by DIFC in modernising the way end-of-service benefits are managed.

By replacing the traditional gratuity system with a fully funded and professionally managed savings plan, DEWS introduced a new model that prioritises transparency, sustainability, and long-term financial security for employees, while enabling employers to adopt global best practices in workforce benefits.

Since inception, DEWS has attracted significant participation across the DIFC community and subsequently been expanded to expatriates in 61 Government of Dubai entities. To date, a total of 2,726 employers have enrolled in the scheme, and 74,323 individuals are now registered, benefitting from the security of regulated savings and the ability to grow their end-of-service benefits through a range of investment options.

The scheme’s rapid growth to more than USD 1bn in AuA reflects the high levels of trust and confidence from both employers and employees, as well as DIFC’s robust regulatory framework and world-class governance standards. Beyond the USD 1bn AuA that is held within the scheme, payouts to previous participants have exceeded an additional USD 340mn.

His Excellency Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai and Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Savings Fund for the Employees Working in the Emirate of Dubai, said: "Dubai continues to pursue sustainable growth by placing people at the heart of this development, reflecting the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

The success and performance of the DEWS scheme underscores the Dubai Government's commitment to providing new investment opportunities for individuals, companies, and institutions. Such pioneering initiatives are instrumental in ensuring a better future for the community. Furthermore, effective public-private partnerships are vital; they align with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), enhance employee benefits, and provide long-term financial security for employees. This comprehensive strategy consolidates Dubai's position at the forefront of the world's most competitive cities.”

His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC commented: “Reaching over USD 1bn in assets under administration in just over five years is a remarkable achievement for DEWS. This groundbreaking scheme has safeguarded the financial futures of close to 75,000 employees. Additionally, it has strengthened Dubai and DIFC’s ability to further attract and retain the very best global talent to work for companies in the region’s pre-eminent global financial centre and government entities. Aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), DEWS is an integral part of DIFC’s long-term vision to become a top four global financial centre, and reinforce Dubai’s reputation as a leading city to live and work in.”

His Excellency Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority said “Surpassing USD 1bn in assets reflects the confidence of employers and employees in DEWS, as well as DIFC’s role as a catalyst for advancing progressive initiatives that support the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). The scheme’s success is a testament to DIFC’s ability to create innovative solutions that generate long-term value. DEWS is a clear example of how DIFC is further enhancing Dubai’s reputation as the region’s leading business-friendly destination, supports employers in adopting global best practices, and reinforces the city’s attractiveness for international talent.”

The success of DEWS has also been underpinned by the expertise of its appointed partners. Equiom acts as the scheme’s master trustee, providing independent oversight to safeguard members’ interests, while Zurich Workplace Solutions (Middle East) serves as the plan administrator, ensuring seamless operations and client servicing. The underlying funds are managed by Mercer, one of the world’s leading investment advisors, ensuring employees benefit from access to a diversified and professionally managed range of investment options.

DEWS continues to set a new benchmark for workplace savings in the region, empowering employees with financial security and peace of mind, while strengthening Dubai’s reputation as a forward-thinking and inclusive global financial hub.

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 48,800 professionals working across over 8,000 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. 

For further information, please visit our website: difc.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and X @DIFC.

For media enquiries, please contact:   
Nivine William 
Burson | +9714 4507600  
nivine.william@bcw-global.com

Rasha Mezher | Dubai International Financial Centre Authority  
Consultant, Marketing & Corporate Communications
+9714 3622451
rasha.mezher@difc.ae