Gulf Today

Dubai Fintech Summit to discuss latest innovation­s and challenges

- Sajjad Ahmad, Deputy Business Editor

For the second consecutiv­e year, Dubai will remain in the spotlight as it hosts the second edition of Dubai Fintech Summit, under the patronage of Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance of the UAE and President of DIFC, which is set to take place on 6-7 May at Madinat Jumeirah.

Organised by Dubai Internatio­nal Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial hub in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, the Summit will bring together 8,000 decision-makers, over 300 thought leaders and more than 200 exhibitors to discuss the latest innovation­s and challenges and showcase cuting-edge technologi­es.

The global Fintech sector is rapidly growing and is predicted to be valued at $608 billion globally by 2029, according to Mordor Intelligen­ce, a market intelligen­ce and advisory firm. Bucking the downward global market trend, the MENA Fintech market is expected to register a CAGR of over eight per cent during the period 2024 to 2029.

Dubai Fintech Summit will offer a plaform for start-ups, investors and industry leaders to connect and capitalise on the growing Fintech market in the region and beyond. The MENA region’s Fintech start-up and venture capital landscape is booming, with over 800 Fintech start-ups worth $15.5 billion, according to data by dealroom.co. Reflecting the ongoing transforma­tion in the financial sector driven by Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact, the key themes this year will be Finance Renaissanc­e, Ecofinance and Impact, Investment Vanguard, Regulatory Frameworks, Global Financial Dynamics and Fintech 2.0.

Mohammad Alblooshi, CEO at DIFC Innovation Hub, said: “Nearly 60 per cent of all Fintech companies in the GCC are currently based in Dubai. With the industry growing at an unpreceden­ted rate, it is crucial for stakeholde­rs to gather and discuss the challenges and opportunit­ies that lie ahead. The Dubai Fintech Summit will bring together the most prominent figures in the industry, with an agenda that is aimed at driving innovation, inclusivit­y, and growth for all.”

With an impressive line-up of distinguis­hed local and internatio­nal speakers, the Dubai Fintech Summit will host a series of panel discussion­s and fireside chats. More than 20 governors of financial institutio­ns will atend the summit this year, amongst them, Essa Kazim, Governor, DIFC, UAE; Dr. Philmnisi, Governor, Central Bank of Eswatini; Cheaserey, Governor National Bank of Cambodia; Martin Galstyan, Governor, Central Bank of Armenia; John Rwangombwa, Governor, National Bank of Rwanda; Prof. Edward Scicluna, Governor, Central Bank of Malta will participat­e in discussion­s during the two-day event. Adena T. Friedman, Chair & CEO of Nasdaq Inc; Nic Dreckman, CEO of Bank Julius Baer & Co.; Yie-hsin Hung, President & CEO of State Street global advisors and Jim Demare, President global markets at Bank of America, along with many other global industry leaders will also be participat­ing in the various sessions planned for the Summit. Notable local speakers include H.E. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Cabinet Member & UAE Minister of Economy; H.E. Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai; H.E. Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, UAE; and Faisal Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Chamber, Chairman of J&F Holding.

 ?? ?? Top officials announce during the press conference that the summit will take place on May 6−7 at Madinat Jumeirah.
Top officials announce during the press conference that the summit will take place on May 6−7 at Madinat Jumeirah.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Bahrain