Over the past four years, Dubai’s financial landscape has seen a significant surge in local talent, with more than 10,000 Emiratis joining the industry. Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, highlighted that the current total of 25,000 Emirati professionals in the sector is a testament to the region’s growing capabilities. Moving forward, the government aims to ensure these local workers gain critical experience in international markets and revenue-generating roles, effectively bridging the gap between local expertise and global industry standards.

Speaking at the Dubai FinTech Summit 2026, Badri emphasized that artificial intelligence will serve as the primary catalyst for the city’s economic future, aligning with the ambitious D33 agenda. By positioning Dubai as the "bank of the region," the government plans to leverage AI to boost productivity, improve trade finance, and foster a robust environment for private equity and venture capital. Through strategic matchmaking and the creation of a supportive ecosystem, Dubai is working to connect established corporations with innovative startups, ensuring that technological advancements drive sustainable growth across the financial sector.