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Fintech world’s best minds converge at inaugural Dubai Summit

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Dubai is set to host the first-ever Dubai Fintech Summit on May 8 and 9 under the patronage of Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE.

The event will take place at Madinat Jumeirah and will bring together over 5,000 global Fintech C-suite executives and technology experts to discuss the latest innovations and challenges in the sector.

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The Summit will feature a lineup of distinguished speakers from both local and international arenas. Notable speakers include Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, and chief executives Bill Winters, Brad Garlinghouse, Piyush Gupta, Jenny Johnson and Brian Armstrong from Standard Chartered, Ripple, DBS Bank Singapore, Franklin Templeton and Coinbase respectively, among others.

Mohammad AlBlooshi

Mohammad Alblooshi, head of organisers DIFC Innovation Hub and Fintech Hive, underscored the importance of the summit. “Nearly 60% of all Fintech companies in the GCC are currently based in the city. With the industry growing at an unprecedented rate, it is crucial for stakeholders to gather and discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The Dubai Fintech Summit promises to bring together the most prominent figures in the industry, with an agenda that will captivate and inspire audiences worldwide.”

The global Fintech sector is rapidly growing and is predicted to be valued at $305 billion globally by 2025, according to Research and Markets, an intelligence and market analysis firm.

In the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, the industry is expected to double in value from $135.9 billion in 2021 to $266.9 billion in 2027, according to a 2022 report by DIFC Fintech Hive.

The DFS will offer a unique platform for startups, investors, and industry leaders to connect and capitalise on the growing Fintech market in the region and beyond. The DFS will feature a series of panel discussions, fireside chats, and over 100 Fintech exhibitors.

There are over 800 Fintech startups worth $15.5 billion in the MEASA region alone, according to data by dealroom.co. Dubai alone is home to over 20% of the world’s Fintech businesses, according to a report by Mordor Intelligence.

Mastercard’s 2022 Digital Payments Index report reveals that digital payments are gaining traction in the MENA region. More than 85% of respondents reported using at least one emerging payment method in the past 12 months, indicating a shift away from cash-based transactions. Among MENA countries, the UAE stands out as being ready to embrace a cashless society. According to the event’s co-host sponsor Visa, 52% of UAE consumers are already cashless or plan to be by 2024.

The DFS will offer attendees a platform to participate in discussions and exchange ideas on emerging trends, regulatory frameworks, and future possibilities.

The event will feature discussions on a range of topics, including ‘Building the Economies of the Future’, ‘Crypto and the Evolving Regulatory Framework’, ‘The World of Finance: Where are the Women?’, and ‘Building a Resilient and Sustainable Financial Sector in the Age of Disruption’. Participants will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights on these critical issues from industry leaders and experts.

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UAE warns public as two unlicensed investment firms flagged by regulator

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The UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) has issued a fresh investor alert, warning the public about two companies operating without the required licences.

In a statement on Friday, December 12, the authority identified XC Market Limited and XCE Commercial Brokers LLC as unlicensed entities, noting that both firms are conducting financial activities without SCA approval.

The regulator stressed that the companies are not authorised to carry out regulated investment services or offer any related financial products in the UAE. It also clarified that it bears no responsibility for any transactions conducted with the firms.

The warning follows a series of recent alerts as part of the SCA’s ongoing push to combat fraudulent operators. Earlier this month, the authority cautioned investors about Global Capital Securities Trading, which was posing as a licensed trading firm. On December 3, it also flagged an entity calling itself the Gulf Higher Authority for Financial Conduct, which was found using a misleading website and falsely claiming regulatory status.

The SCA reiterated that investors should verify the licensing status of any company before engaging in financial dealings, as the regulator continues monitoring for unlicensed operators and cloned platforms targeting the UAE market.


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UAE announces January 1, 2026, as official New Year holiday for private sector

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Private-sector employees across the UAE will enjoy a long weekend to ring in 2026, with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) confirming that Thursday, 1 January 2026, will be an official paid holiday.

The announcement comes in line with the UAE Cabinet’s approved list of public holidays for both government and private-sector workers.

Since New Year’s Day falls on a Thursday, private-sector offices will resume work on Friday, January 2, 2026.

Public sector schedule

The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources has also confirmed the holiday for federal government employees. Federal ministries and entities will be closed on Thursday, with Friday, January 2, 2026, designated as a remote-work day, except for roles that require on-site presence.

Sharjah authorities have also announced the New Year holiday in line with the national schedule.

The unified holiday ensures residents across the UAE can welcome the new year with a mid-week break and extended family time.

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UAE traffic alert: Plan your journey as diversions announced on Emirates Road

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The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has announced a temporary traffic diversion on Emirates Road beginning Thursday, December 11, as part of ongoing development works aimed at improving road efficiency and easing traffic flow in the area.

As part of the plan, the slip road for motorists travelling from Ras Al Khaimah towards Al Dhaid at Interchange No. 7 will be closed for the duration of the project. Traffic will instead be redirected to alternative routes to support smoother vehicle movement and ensure road user safety.

Drivers are advised to use Interchange No. 6 and the new Khorfakkan Road tunnel as substitutes during the closure.

The ministry thanked the public for their cooperation and emphasised the importance of following traffic instructions, adhering to directional signs installed at the site, and maintaining safe driving throughout the diversion period.

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