
Dubai Future District Fund drives $1.65bln in capital commitments, powers over 190 startups
3 June 2025 14:33
DUBAI (WAM) The Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF), which is anchored by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), reported a year of strategic growth in 2024, including over $1.65 billion in capital commitments and support for more than 190 portfolio companies.The figures were released during the Fund's Annual General Meeting, where the Board of Directors reported progress across its investment mandate. The Fund supported over 190 portfolio companies through both direct investments and 12 Fund of Funds initiatives, which aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).The Fund said these efforts reinforced its role in advancing technology, talent, and venture capital in the region.DFDF Board of Directors Chairman and CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, Khalfan Belhoul, said, 'These achievements underscore the central role that the Dubai Future District Fund plays in driving the growth of Dubai's digital economy – one that thrives on innovation and leverages the latest future technologies across key sectors.'DFDF Board Member and Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, Arif Amiri, said, 'Innovation thrives not in isolation, but within inclusive, connected communities.''As the Fund continues to position Dubai as a global pioneer for innovation, we are more committed than ever to cultivating collaboration with partners globally who are also committed to driving future economic growth.'In 2024, DFDF went beyond its core investment activities to showcase how venture capital can serve as a conduit for public-private collaboration and scalable innovation.The Fund published value creation case studies in partnership with key institutions across sectors – spotlighting its growing role as a strategic enabler.
With the UAE's announcement of 2025 as the Year of the Community, DFDF outlined a renewed commitment to building stronger bridges across the innovation landscape – between founders and funders, startups and regulators, and the region and global markets.
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Arabian Business
a day ago
- Arabian Business
Dubai Future District Fund reports $1.65bn boost, support for 190 startups
Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF), has unveiled a dynamic performance update for 2024 at its Annual General Meeting, highlighting more than $1.65bn in capital commitments and strategic support for more than 190 portfolio companies. The announcement cements DFDF's position as a key driver of innovation, talent development, and venture capital growth aligned with the emirate's Economic Agenda (D33). Throughout 2024, dubbed the UAE's Year of Sustainability, DFDF accelerated its mission to foster long-term value through responsible innovation and community-focused investment. The Fund's impact extended beyond capital, playing a pivotal role in advancing public-private partnerships that align government priorities with startup-led solutions. Dubai Future District Fund Support for more than 190 startups and scale-ups in the city Engagements with Land Department and Dubai Health to co-create innovation strategies Pilots with Nestlé and AWS to drive tech adoption and operational excellence Ongoing ecosystem partnerships through 12 Fund of Funds initiatives Khalfan Belhoul, the DFDF Board of Directors Chairman and CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation said: 'These achievements underscore the central role that the Dubai Future District Fund plays in driving the growth of Dubai's digital economy – one that thrives on innovation and leverages the latest future technologies across key sectors.' As 2025 is officially designated by the UAE as the Year of the Community, DFDF is setting its sights on deepening collaboration across the innovation landscape—from startup founders and global investors to government bodies and regulators. Arif Amiri, DFDF Board Member and CEO of DIFC Authority, said: 'Innovation thrives not in isolation, but within inclusive, connected communities. As the Fund continues to position Dubai as a global pioneer for innovation, we are more committed than ever to cultivating collaboration with partners globally who are also committed to driving future economic growth.' For 2025, DFDF's strategic focus will include: Expanding capital deployment to funds and startups that drive economic resilience in the emirate Strengthening ecosystem platforms that connect founders, operators, investors, and policymakers Scaling impact-driven innovation aligned with Dubai's vision as a global hub for future economies Nader Albastaki, Managing Director at DFDF said: '2024 marked a pivotal year for DFDF, where purpose met performance. We scaled our investments, aligned with Dubai's strategies, and supported innovators driving meaningful change. 'As we enter 2025—the Year of the Community—we're excited to focus on deeper collaboration, ecosystem resilience, and a shared vision of Dubai as a global capital of innovation and opportunity.'


Hi Dubai
a day ago
- Hi Dubai
Hiring Top Talent in Dubai: A Quick Guide
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Businesses must actively differentiate themselves to attract and secure the best candidates amidst this intense competition. Strategic Talent Pools : Talent in Dubai is sourced from various channels. Local universities produce a growing pool of young professionals, while the city's appeal draws experienced expatriates from around the globe. Furthermore, Dubai actively cultivates specialised talent through initiatives like the Golden Visa and Green Visa, encouraging long-term residency for exceptional individuals, which indirectly expands the available talent pool for businesses. Attracting Top Talent: Beyond the Compensation Package In a market where salaries can be highly competitive, offering a comprehensive and appealing value proposition beyond just compensation is vital for attracting top talent. Cultivating a Strong Employer Brand : Your employer brand is your reputation as a workplace. In Dubai, a strong employer brand is critical for standing out. 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Clearly outline these benefits. Beyond basic salary, a strong package in Dubai typically includes health insurance, annual flight tickets, housing allowances, and potentially schooling support for families. Clearly outline these benefits. Dubai's Lifestyle Advantages: Actively promote the benefits of living and working in Dubai: Safety & Security: Dubai is renowned globally for its high levels of safety and low crime rates. Modern Infrastructure: World-class housing, transportation, healthcare, and educational facilities. Global Connectivity: A strategic location offering easy access to major global cities. Diverse Entertainment & Leisure: A wide array of cultural, entertainment, and sporting events. Tax-Efficient Environment: While businesses now navigate corporate tax, individuals benefit from no personal income tax, making net salaries highly attractive. 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Clear Communication & Expectation Setting : Use the interview as an opportunity to reiterate the role's responsibilities, key performance indicators (KPIs), career progression possibilities, and the company's vision. Transparency helps manage expectations and ensures the candidate is well-informed. Onboarding for Success: Integrating New Hires Smoothly A well-structured onboarding process is crucial for retaining top talent and ensuring they become productive members of your team quickly, especially for international hires adjusting to a new country. Pre-Arrival Support (Especially for International Hires) : Relocation Assistance: Provide practical support such as guidance on temporary accommodation options, initial transport, and essential services like setting up a local mobile number or bank account. Document Preparation: Help streamline the collection of necessary documents for visa processing to avoid delays. Comprehensive Induction Program : Beyond Paperwork: An induction should be more than just HR formalities. Immerse new hires in the company culture, values, and strategic goals. Team & Stakeholder Introductions: Facilitate introductions to immediate team members, cross-functional colleagues, and key stakeholders. Role Clarity: Clearly communicate the new hire's specific responsibilities, initial projects, KPIs, and how their role contributes to the broader company objectives. Buddy/Mentorship Program : Assign an experienced colleague (a 'buddy' or 'mentor') to guide the new hire. This informal support system helps navigate the new work environment, answers practical questions, and aids cultural integration. For international hires, providing a brief orientation on local customs, business etiquette, and social norms (e.g., during Ramadan) can significantly ease their transition and promote respectful interactions. 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Residency Visa Stamping: The final step where the residency visa is stamped in the passport. Labor Contract Registration: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) registers the employment contract, which is legally binding. Key Labor Law Updates (2025 Considerations) : Fixed-Term Contracts: As of February 2, 2025, fixed-term contracts are the standard, replacing unlimited contracts. These are typically renewable every two years. Flexible Work Models: The law supports various work arrangements, including remote, part-time, and flexible work, offering more adaptability for businesses. Probation Period: Cannot exceed six months. Employers must give 14 days' written notice for termination during probation. Employees have specific notice periods if resigning during probation (14 days if leaving UAE, 30 days if joining another employer). Wage Protection System (WPS): Mandatory for companies with 10+ employees to pay wages through WPS, with stricter enforcement and monitoring by MOHRE. Anti-Harassment & Discrimination: Expanded protections against all forms of harassment and discrimination in the workplace. The Importance of PRO Services : Given the complexities of government processes, partnering with a reputable Public Relations Officer (PRO) service is highly recommended. PRO services handle all government-related document processing, visa applications, and labour department compliance, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and adherence to the latest regulations, thereby saving businesses time and avoiding potential penalties. Retaining Top Talent: Fostering a Motivated Workforce Attracting talent is only half the battle; retaining it is equally, if not more, critical for long-term business success in Dubai. Competitive Compensation & Benefits : Regularly benchmark salaries and benefits against market standards to ensure your packages remain attractive. Be transparent about performance-based increments and bonus structures. Career Development & Training : Invest in your employees' growth. Offer opportunities for upskilling, cross-training, leadership development programs, and access to industry conferences or workshops. Positive & Inclusive Work Environment : Foster a culture of respect, open communication, and psychological safety. Promote diversity and inclusion initiatives that make all employees feel valued and empowered to contribute. Implement formal recognition programs (e.g., employee of the month) and encourage informal appreciation to acknowledge hard work and achievements. Work-Life Balance Initiatives : Support employee well-being through initiatives such as flexible working hours (where possible), wellness programs, mental health support, and promoting a healthy work-life integration. Clear Communication & Feedback : Establish regular channels for feedback (e.g., one-on-one meetings, performance reviews, employee surveys) and act on employee suggestions to foster engagement and loyalty. In Dubai's dynamic and fiercely competitive business landscape, the ability to attract, hire, and retain top talent is a cornerstone of organisational success. It requires a strategic, multifaceted approach that goes beyond traditional recruitment. By understanding the unique nuances of Dubai's multicultural talent pool, cultivating a compelling employer brand, adopting effective interviewing and onboarding practices, diligently navigating visa and labour law essentials, and prioritising employee retention, businesses can build a resilient, innovative, and high-performing workforce. Investing in your people in Dubai is a crucial investment in your company's future growth and sustained competitive advantage. Also Read: UAE's 15 fastest-growing jobs Over the past few years, the UAE's job market has been evolving very fast, with more focus on the services sector as well as new-age technologies. UAE Jobseekers Demand 30% Higher Salaries as Living Costs Rise and Talent Shortages Grow The UAE job market is currently experiencing a significant mismatch between salary expectations and offers, as jobseekers demand up to 30% more than employers are willing to offer, according to the latest Naukrigulf Hiring Outlook Report. UAE Job Market Shifts to Employers' Advantage as Influx of Talent Boosts Options As more people come to country looking for jobs, companies are getting more opportunities to choose from the available talent UAE Jobs: Hiring Picks Up in 2024 with Growing Emphasis on Diversity Hiring is expected to increase by at least 15 per cent this year driven by an optimistic market outlook, according to headhunters and HR professionals in the UAE.


Gulf Today
a day ago
- Gulf Today
Dubai 'Surprises' all, even India's power couple Virat and Anushka
The Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has unveiled its new campaign – 'Dubai, Ready For a Surprise' – starring cricket icon Virat Kohli and celebrated actor and entrepreneur Anushka Sharma. Having visited Dubai on numerous occasions over recent years, Virat and Anushka share a personal connection with the city, inspiring them to embark on their first-ever destination-focused collaboration. Marking the first phase of this landmark partnership, the film at the heart of the campaign highlights Dubai as the perfect destination for all travellers, as Virat and Anushka unveil a series of surprises while exploring the city's diverse experiences. The film ends with an interesting twist leaving the audience wondering if there's more to discover. Dubai's vibrance Rich in colour, culture, and energy, the campaign film encapsulates the vibrant essence of the city through a blend of varied culinary experiences, spontaneous cultural interactions, thrilling adventures, and musical interludes. It offers a refreshed perspective of Dubai, beyond the quintessential landmarks and experiences – one that invites both first-time and repeat travellers to discover the city in unforgettable ways. The film highlights Dubai as the perfect destination for all travellers The story begins with Virat planning a thoughtful and personalised experience for Anushka, creating memorable moments that go beyond the expected. He reveals a new side of the city – one that matches her vibe, emotions, and preferences. He chooses each experience to align with her wishes, creating a deeper and more intimate connection with Dubai. As long-time friends of Dubai, Virat and Anushka's fondness for the destination emerges naturally on screen as they wander through hidden corners, laugh together, explore and uncover experiences that reveal the city's soul in new and surprising ways. Whether it's an intimate moment admiring the Dubai skyline from the world's highest 360-degree infinity pool (AURA SKYPOOL) or the thrill of parasailing over stunning beaches, the campaign film showcases a side of Dubai that even seasoned visitors like them find delightfully surprising. Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: 'This collaboration with Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma is a natural fit – their genuine affection for Dubai and the way they engage with audiences make them ideal champions for the city. The star pair cherish their deep connection to Dubai. As we work towards the goal of further consolidating Dubai's position as a leading global city for business and leisure, aligned with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, this campaign underlines the diversity of Dubai's ever-evolving offering and our commitment to consistently providing visitors fresh and memorable experiences, whether they are arriving for the first time or returning. "India remains one of our most important source markets, and partnerships like these help us foster meaningful cultural connections, inviting Indian travellers to explore and rediscover Dubai in new and exciting ways.' Virat said: 'Dubai holds a special place for Anushka and me. The moment we land, everything – from the flavours to the energy – feels just right. Even my favourite chole bhature tastes just as good here! But what amazes us is how the city feels familiar yet always has something new to offer. Whether it's adventure, peaceful moments in the dunes, or just vibing to the perfect playlist on the beach, there's always something for everyone. This campaign has let us see the city through fresh eyes, and we can't wait for others to do the same.' Anushka said: 'Every visit to Dubai feels like a new discovery. Whether it's for work, or to be with friends, the city surprises you in the best ways. It is a warm city, extremely comforting yet very exciting and there is something new to explore always. From thrilling adventures to unexpected moments, Dubai has a way of matching every mood and every need. We're happy to be a part of this collaboration with Dubai and to uncover fresh, exceptional experiences and personalised ways to fall in love with the city.' The campaign's hero film is supported by a 360-degree rollout across social media, digital platforms, and targeted offline activations. To watch the new 'Dubai, Ready For A Surprise' campaign film starring Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma, please visit: