DIFC

Based at the DIFC Innovation Hub, the Dubai PropTech Hub currently tracks 231 UAE-based PropTech companies, with strong activity in listings, investment and marketing platforms

As younger heirs assume greater influence, investment strategies are evolving towards private markets, artificial intelligence, sustainability and impact, alongside traditional return objectives

The VCC model is expected to appeal to family-owned businesses, high-value multi-asset portfolios and complex proprietary investment structures, including secondaries strategies, seeking consolidated oversight alongside robust asset segregation

DIFC said it remains the region’s largest regulated financial services ecosystem, with 1,052 financial services firms operating in the centre

The introduction of the updated framework follows the DFSA’s consultation process in October 2025 and reflects the evolution of its approach since the launch of the Crypto Token regime in 2022

The number of hedge fund managers has more than doubled since the start of 2024, with 81 being ‘billion-dollar club’ funds

By pledging eligible assets as collateral, clients can access financing while remaining invested across asset classes such as equities

According to the report, emerging markets are now positioned as key growth engines for the alternatives industry, driven by rapid GDP growth

Since inception, the scheme has attracted strong participation across the DIFC community and was later extended to expatriates in 61 Government of Dubai entities

This recognition reaffirms Dubai’s leadership in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, elevating its profile on the global financial stage