Maktoum bin Mohammed reaffirms UAE's commitment to global p'ship

Discussing UAE’s vision for financial growth

During his discussions with the Mastercard CEO, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum highlighted the UAE’s vision for a dynamic and future-ready financial ecosystem that harnesses advanced technologies to promote economic growth.

“The UAE seeks to foster strategic collaborations with leading financial technology companies like Mastercard to accelerate the transformation of the digital economy and promote innovation in financial services,” he said.

Enabling growth and innovation

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum emphasised that the UAE’s exceptional business-friendly ecosystem and financial industry infrastructure continue to enable global financial institutions to expand their presence and contribute to sustainable economic development in the region.

Dubai’s role as a financial hub

Mastercard’s expansion in the region, anchored in its Dubai hub, underscores the city’s growing role as a center for financial innovation and a gateway to emerging markets. In line with Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the city is rapidly strengthening its contributions to shaping the future of global finance.

Mastercard’s expansion and operations

Dubai is home to Mastercard’s headquarters for the Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa region, established in 2001. The company reported net revenues of $28.2 billion in 2024, a 12% increase from the previous year. Mastercard operates in over 200 countries and territories, supporting individuals, businesses, and governments with secure digital payment solutions.

Attendees and officials

The meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General of Dubai Finance; Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; and Malek Al Malek, Chairman of the TECOM Group.