DIFC

DIFC Higher Board and Board of Directors

The DIFC’s most senior bodies consist of the Higher Board and Board of Directors, each with unique responsibilities to ensure the highest standards of oversight and governance.

DIFC Higher Board

The Higher Board exercises oversight over all aspects of the Centre’s operations to ensure compliance with international best practice and fulfillment of the Dubai Plan 2021

HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH MAKTOUM BIN MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM

CHAIRMAN

In little more than a decade, the DIFC has established itself as the premier financial free zone in a region that offers infinite possibilities for future opportunities and growth. By offering outstanding advantages such as security of contracts, independent courts, 100 percent ownership and other free zone benefits, the Centre has established a reputation as a world-class environment for businesses and investors. The next decade will see the implementation of an ambitious strategy to consolidate the DIFC’s and Dubai’s position as a pivotal hub in the global financial network.

H.E. Essa Kazim

H.E. Essa Kazim
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Governor of DIFC

Abdulfattah Sharaf

Abdulfattah Sharaf
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Board Member

Chief Justice Zaki Azmi

Chief Justice Zaki Azmi
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Board Member

Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim

Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim
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Board Member

Fadel Abdulbaqi Al Ali

Fadel Abdulbaqi Al Ali
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Board Member

Arshad Ghafur

Arshad Ghafur
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Board Member

DIFC Authority Board of Directors

The DIFC Authority Board of Directors ensure that all of the Centre’s activities, ranging from infrastructure development, financial management and client relations, are structured and implemented in such a way as to serve the strategic vision of Dubai’s leadership

HIS EXCELLENCY ESSA KAZIM

CHAIRMAN

His Excellency Essa Kazim is the Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Chairman of Borse Dubai, Deputy Chairman of Supreme Legislation Committee in Dubai, and Member of the Securities and Exchange Higher Committee and Dubai Supreme Fiscal Committee.

His Excellency Kazim began his career as a Senior Analyst in the Research and Statistics Department of the UAE Central Bank in 1988 and then moved to the Dubai Department of Economic Development as Director of Planning and Development in 1993. He was then appointed as Director-General of Dubai Financial Market from 1999 to 2006, later being elected its Chairman from 2007 until 2021.

His Excellency Kazim holds an honorary Doctorate from Coe College, a Master's degree in Economics from the University of Iowa, a Master's Degree in Total Quality Management from the University of Wollongong and A Bachelor degree from Coe College.

His Excellency Kazim currently sits on a number of official advisory committees and boards; he is Member of the Higher Board of Directors of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Chairman of DIFC Authority Board of Directors, Chairman of DIFC Investments Board of Directors, Board Member of Nasdaq Dubai, Board Member of Free Zones Council, Board Member of Nasdaq, and Member of the Board of Etisalat.

His Excellency Essa Kazim also serves as a board member for a number of educational institutions, both in the region and around the world.

Abdulla J M Kalban

Abdulla J M Kalban
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Board Member

Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim

Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim
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Board Member

Salem Al Sharhan

Salem Al Sharhan
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Board Member

Khalfan Belhoul

Khalfan Belhoul
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Board Member

Abdullah Salim Al Turifi Al Shamsi

Abdullah Salim Al Turifi Al Shamsi
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Board Member

H.E. Dr. Ahmad Bin Hassan Al Shaikh

H.E. Dr. Ahmad Bin Hassan Al Shaikh
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Board Member

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