Arif Amiri Appointed Deputy CEO of the DIFC Authority

Dubai, UAE - December 30, 2014: Arif Amiri has been appointed Deputy CEO of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Authority. In this role, he will oversee efforts to further solidify DIFC's position as one of the most significant and advanced financial centres in the region, and across the globe.

As the Centre enters its second decade of operation, Mr. Amiri will direct the DIFC Authority's teams in the strategic development, operational management and administration of this world-class financial district and regulated jurisdiction, which is already home to more than 1,000 firms and 17,000 employees.

A UAE national with more than 15 years of experience in banking, finance, retail and real estate, Mr. Amiri joined DIFC Authority from Emaar Properties, where he was Chief Commercial Officer. In that role, he oversaw a significant expansion in corporate revenues and directed the company's rapid move into new markets and new business opportunities.

Earlier roles with Emaar included CEO of Emaar Retail, where he had autonomous decision-making responsibility for the business unit's strategic planning, new business, sales and marketing, and business support. He grew the unit's annual revenue, guided the opening of new business lines, and enhanced productivity, efficiencies, and the unit's overall corporate culture.

Mr. Amiri's significant contributions to the region's retail sector were recognised in 2012 when he was awarded the 'Retail Leadership Award' at the 2nd Asian Leadership Awards. He also won the Honorary Award for his significant contribution to the retail industry's growth at the Retail City Awards 2011.

He joined Emaar in 2006 as a Senior Director – Investor Relations, Corporate Governance and Business Development. In this role he drove the Sales and Distribution at Emaar Properties. As well, Arif developed and implemented strategies across the group's seven subsidiaries.

Before joining Emaar, Mr. Amiri worked for seven years with HSBC Bank Middle East, rising to the position of Senior Manager – Corporate & Institutional Banking.