Dubai's Ascendancy in Private Funding Spotlighted in DIFC's Future Finance Report

In a significant development, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has released a report titled 'Shift to Private Capital', which underscores Dubai's growing prominence in private wealth and capital markets. The report features insights from various global finance leaders, including Cambridge Associates, Henley & Partners, and the International Private Equity Market (IPEM).

According to the report, global private wealth is reshaping financial markets. Over the past two decades, an estimated $124 trillion in intergenerational wealth transfer will drive demand for technology, sustainability, and personalized private capital solutions. This trend is reflected in the growth of private wealth, which has grown eight times faster than public wealth since 1995, reaching a record $471 trillion.

Dubai's position as a top destination for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and private capital investors has attracted events like those hosted by the International Private Equity Market (IPEM). IPEM, a leading global player in the private equity market, will host its first Middle East preview at DIFC in December 2025. The decision to host events in Dubai indicates IPEM's recognition of the city's growing importance in private capital markets.

Antoine Colson, IPEM CEO, has highlighted Dubai's strong regulatory framework as a key reason for its expansion in the region. He also mentioned Dubai's thriving family office ecosystem as another factor contributing to its expansion. The city's family-related businesses now number over 1,000, and DIFC hosts 440 wealth and asset managers and 85 hedge funds.

The latest edition of the Dubai International Financial Centre's Flagship Report "Future of Finance" involved key financial leaders, technology innovators, regulatory authorities, and prominent institutions shaping the future of finance in the region. While specific named persons and institutions are not detailed in the available sources, it is clear that Dubai is not just keeping pace with the transformation of global financial markets but actively shaping their future.

The report also confirms Dubai's position as a top destination for high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and private capital investors. In 2025, Dubai ranked 12th in the Global Financial Centres Index, alongside cities like London, New York, and Paris. Assets in private markets are expected to exceed $30 trillion by 2030, and Dubai's role in this sector is set to grow.

In May 2026, Dubai Future Finance Week will host a landmark edition of the International Private Equity Market (IPEM). This event will be preceded by IPEM's representation at the International Private Equity Market during Dubai Future Finance Week in May 2026. The exact representatives have not been publicly specified, but it is clear that Dubai is attracting the attention of leading global industry leaders and institutional investors.

Dubai has emerged as the leading hub for private wealth in the region. With its strong regulatory framework, thriving family office ecosystem, and growing importance in private capital markets, Dubai is set to continue its rise as a global hub for private wealth and capital markets.