The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has announced plans to become the world’s first AI-native financial centre, integrating AI across its legal, regulatory, operational, and physical infrastructure.

Rather than treating AI as an add-on, DIFC said it intends to embed it into the core functioning of the centre, including legal frameworks, business operations, talent development, ecosystem infrastructure and the district’s built environment.

The initiative builds on its 2023 AI strategy, which introduced data governance policies and incorporated AI as Regulation 10 under the DIFC Data Protection Law.

AI tools are already in use to support client compliance and relationship management.

DIFC said the approach is intended to move beyond pilot projects and position the centre as a benchmark for AI governance in financial services.

It expects the programme to generate around US$3.5 billion (AED 12.9 billion) in economic value and create 25,000 jobs.

The centre also noted that its operating model allows for faster implementation compared to more legacy-constrained jurisdictions.

As part of the initiative, DIFC plans to provide financial firms with access to AI tools to support operations, and to develop capabilities in areas such as AI governance software and talent training, including potential deployment to emerging markets.

It also outlined plans to integrate “physical AI” applications such as robotics, autonomous mobility and digital twin technologies into the financial district’s ecosystem, alongside regulatory frameworks.

Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, said:

“DIFC’s evolution into the world’s first AI-Native financial centre marks a defining step in Dubai’s ascent as a global capital for the future of finance. As AI reshapes the international financial landscape, this initiative reinforces Dubai’s role in setting new standards for innovation, trust and competitiveness.”

Featured image credit: DIFC