Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has signed an agreement with the International Private Equity Market (IPEM) to bring the esteemed IPEM event to Dubai for the first time in December 2025. This collaboration aims to strengthen DIFC’s position as a global hub for long-term capital deployment, supporting its Strategy 2030 to make Dubai one of the leading financial centres worldwide.

IPEM events serve as key meeting venues for decision-makers, innovators, and investors involved in private equity. The upcoming IPEM Future event in Dubai will complement the existing bi-annual gatherings held in France, focusing on providing attendees with valuable insights and opportunities to connect with the broader private equity community.

This partnership enhances DIFC’s reputation as a world-class platform for private equity markets. According to the latest Global Financial Centre Index (GFCI), Dubai is ranked as the top financial centre in the region and is recognized as one of only eight cities globally, alongside London, New York, and Paris, with extensive capabilities across all finance industry sectors.

Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, remarked that the current global economic climate has heightened investor interest in private capital, which is seen as resilient and long-term. He emphasized that the partnership with IPEM highlights Dubai and DIFC as a premier destination for long-term capital deployment, aligning with their vision to advance the future of finance.

Antoine Colson, CEO of IPEM, stated that Dubai is a natural fit for IPEM Future, which aims to connect influential Limited Partners (LPs) and General Partners (GPs) focused on innovations in sectors such as AI, climate technology, and space. He noted that this event signifies a shift in private capital from merely performing to actively transforming industries.

In preparation for the Dubai event, IPEM has already introduced representatives from the global private capital industry at the Dubai FinTech Summit, where discussions centered on leveraging private markets to create long-term value, the role of technology and innovation, and the evolving landscape of investors in the Middle East.

IPEM connects leaders in the global private capital industry, hosting major events annually in Paris and Cannes, with the addition of Dubai starting in 2025. This expansion reflects the potential for growth and democratization within the private capital sector.

DIFC is recognized as one of the world’s most advanced financial centres and serves as the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA), which encompasses 77 countries, approximately 3.7 billion people, and a GDP of around USD 10.5 trillion. It has a proven track record in facilitating trade and investment flows, connecting emerging markets with economies across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

DIFC is home to a robust financial ecosystem with 46 000 professionals working across over 6 900 registered companies. The Centre is committed to driving the future of finance through innovation and technology, offering an environment conducive to AI, FinTech, and venture capital development, alongside diverse lifestyle and business amenities.