THE MIDDLE EAST’S

54. Arif Amiri

Designation: CEO
Company: DIFC Authority
Residence: UAE
Nationality: Emirati
Sector: Free Zones

Amiri has served as CEO of DIFC Authority since 2015, overseeing banking assets growth to $240 billion since then. DIFC is home to over 9,500 active registered companies, including more than 1,800 AI, FinTech, and innovation firms. In 2025, active registered companies grew 28% year-on-year to 8,844 as regulated firms reached 1,052. In Q1 2026, DIFC added 775 new active registered companies, up 62% year-on-year. Amiri is a member of Dubai's Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy, and is a board member of the Dubai Media Council and the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority, among others.