Dubai International Financial Centre launches DIFC Global

Amna Al Sayed Appointed CEO of the new entity

Dubai, Saturday, 25 October 2008: DIFC Investments, the investment arm of the Dubai International Financial Centre, today announced the launch of DIFC Global, a new subsidiary that provides a global network of premium business centres and corporate services that support companies in developing their international business.

Part of the global vision of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the world’s fastest growing financial hub, DIFC Global provides services that enable companies to make forays into new markets quickly, efficiently and with minimal investment.  

DIFC Global is currently in the process of establishing business centres across the world to complement its facilities in DIFC. It already has a presence in Dubai and London and is looking to set up centres in several other prominent financial hubs around the world.

HE Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, Governor, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) said: “DIFC Global is an integral part of DIFC’s efforts to extend its offerings internationally. As the financial industry in the Middle East grows, more and more global companies are looking to tap lucrative opportunities in the region. Likewise, companies in the region are targeting customers and building partnerships across the world. DIFC Global responds to these needs by providing a supportive infrastructure and services for companies to grow their financial business across the world.”

DIFC also announced that Amna Al Sayed has been named CEO of DIFC Global. In this role, she will develop new initiatives to develop the new entity and lead the effort to develop solutions that help DIFC Global’s customers enhance their productivity and business reach.

HE Dr. Bin Sulaiman said: “Amna’s experience in leading the development of DIFC’s Business Centre makes her the ideal person to steer the development of DIFC Global’s international network. As an organisation that supports financial services companies in expanding into new markets, DIFC Global holds a lot of promise, and I am confident that Amna will lead it to greater success.“

Before being appointed CEO, Al Sayed was the Executive Director of DIFC’s Business Centre, a role in which she initiated the second phase of the organisation’s development including its international expansion. Concurrently, she also held the position of Executive Director of Client Relations in DIFC, a role in which she developed and managed programmes for strengthening relationships with the organisation’s clients. Prior to joining the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Al Sayed served in senior roles in local and international banks like Standard Chartered and First Gulf Bank.

Speaking on her new appointment, Amna Al Sayed said: “I am honoured to assume this new responsibility at a time of exciting growth for DIFC Global. We have a great opportunity to develop DIFC Global into a leading international brand that provides premium corporate environments and business services. The future potential for the organisation is truly outstanding. I look forward to driving new development strategies and leading the team to achieve our objectives”.

A wide range of support services are available to companies located at DIFC Global’s business centres. State-of-the-art IT and telecom services combined with a whole host of administrative, secretarial, event management and hospitality free companies from operational hassles enabling them to focus on business development. Other services include the rental of meeting rooms equipped with video and audio conferencing, internet connections, and preferential rates for express courier and office supplies.

In-house legal, payroll and accounting services enable companies to obtain expertise that can otherwise be difficult to source in a foreign market. DIFC Global also facilitates a host of networking opportunities for its members in the DIFC community, placing them in an ideal position to tap into a multitude of business development opportunities.

Each of DIFC Global’s business centres are situated in prestigious locations  giving companies easy access to business districts, hotels, transportation and other facilities. Clients enjoy premium office space and facilities available only in the world’s finest serviced corporate environments. From executive suites and meeting rooms to private booths and individual work stations, DIFC Global’s offerings meet a wide range of space requirements. Flexible lease terms mean companies can rent office facilities on a daily, weekly, monthly or annual basis. All the offices are fully-serviced, eliminating the burden of maintenance.

Companies setting up offices in DIFC Global will also benefit from the business links and opportunities facilitated by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Apart from greater access to the fast-growing regional financial services market, they will benefit from the development opportunities offered by its subsidiaries like the DIFC Centre of Excellence (CoE) and Mudara – The Institute of Directors and others.

Media enquiries:

Amira Abdulla                                                                       

Director- Regional PR                                                         

Dubai International Financial Centre                                 

Tel: +971 4 362 2433                                                          

E-mail: amira.abdulla@difc.ae                                           

About the DIFC:

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is an onshore hub for global finance. It bridges the time gap between the financial centres of Hong Kong and London and services a region with the largest untapped emerging market for financial services. In just three years, over 700 firms have registered at the DIFC. They operate in an open environment complemented with world-class regulations and standards. The DIFC offers its member institutions incentives such as 100 per cent foreign ownership, zero tax on income and profits and no restrictions on foreign exchange. In addition their business benefits from modern infrastructure, operational support and business continuity facilities of uncompromisingly high standards.