The global multi-asset fintech group, Plus500 which has over 25 million registered customers worldwide, has obtained a new regulatory license approval from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) through its subsidiary Plus500AE in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).This license from the DFSA presents Plus500AE, whose parent company Plus500 Ltd is a FTSE 250 company listed on the main market of the London Stock Exchange (LSE), with significant growth opportunities in the burgeoning and dynamic UAE market. Approval of the new regulatory licence enables the company to provide a more localised experience to prospective customers in the UAE's online trading sphere through Plus500AE, complementing the group’s renowned user-friendly diverse offerings, innovation, and customer-centric approach.Additional customer benefits include the integration of local payment methods, and bespoke versions of the Plus500 trading platform, website, and mobile app, enabling access to the most popular financial instruments. The proprietary tech-based trading platform will enable UAE traders to engage in Over the Counter (OTC) or Contracts for Difference (CFD) products.Additionally, the platform's advanced analytics empower traders with real-time data, robust charting tools, and technical indicators, aiding informed trading decisions. It also ensures mobile accessibility on both iOS and Android smartphones and tablets.The establishment of the UAE subsidiary fortifies Plus500 group’s regulatory framework and complements the portfolio of regulatory licenses in markets such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Cyprus, Singapore, the United States, and Japan.According to the latest trends released by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the Middle East’s online trading industry is witnessing spectacular growth and is expected to reach US$1 trillion in value by 2025 with commonly traded assets including stocks, commodities, currencies, and cryptocurrencies.The intuitive and advanced trading platform allows customers to manage leveraged exposure appropriately with the aim of protecting potential profits and limiting exposure to losses.

Raiven Capital today announced the launch of a new venture capital fund with a target size of USD125 mn in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial hub in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. The fund will focus on founders developing tech in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and Distributed Ledger Tech, with a particular emphasis on digital platforms disrupting value chains in FinTech, cybersecurity and sustainability-focused sectors.  Investing in innovation in early and growth-stage tech companies in the GCC, South Asia, and North East Africa and enabling them to blossom into leaders by connecting them to markets and capital pools in Europe and North America, via Raiven’s new Dubai hub, is what we are most excited about, noted General Partner, Raiven Capital, Paul Dugsin.“The fund will serve the needs of the local startup ecosystem, enabling them to become regional and global competitors, while at the same time, Raiven’s existing community of startups and investors will now have access to all advantages of the Middle East and the broader region that arcs between East Africa to India for their own ventures.”Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, DIFC Authority, said: “We welcome Raiven Capital to DIFC. Raiven’s focus on nurturing early and growth-stage AI, IoT and distributed ledger tech startups through the launch of this new venture capital fund shows strong confidence in Dubai’s economy, talent-base and future-forward entrepreneurial ecosystem. The firm’s presence in DIFC will not only benefit the local startup community in taking the future of tech to new heights, but also provide Raiven’s global network of founders and partners with access to a wealth of resources in the MEASA region and beyond.”General Partner, Raiven Capital, Supreet Manchanda noted the fervour around Dubai’s ecosystem and the opportunities it presents: “We are thrilled to be in a place growing exponentially. Founders are eager to contribute to global innovation. The government’s robust support for entrepreneurship is impressive, and unlike any other place at this time. We look forward to meeting the best and brightest in Dubai and DIFC in particular. There are great things ahead.”The Toronto-based fund is creating bridges between its home country and Dubai, an exciting development. “We are thrilled that Raiven Capital, a Canadian venture capital fund, is the first-of-its-kind to obtain a licence to operate its second fund in DIFC in Dubai. Raiven has ambitious plans for the region connecting Canada, the UAE and other high growth tech ecosystems. We look forward to working with them,” said Tracy Reynolds, Canada’s Consul General in Dubai.The tech industry in the UAE and regionally has recently seen substantial expansion. Yet, funding is falling behind the quick speed of change and technological adoption. This is drawing global technology businesses and international venture capitalists to the region. Raiven’s fund further accelerates growth of the venture ecosystem to meet the increasing demand for technology products and services.MENA venture capital funding in the third quarter of 2023 saw USD250 mn raised across 78 deals, a 32 per cent increase compared to the second quarter of 2023, according to MAGNiTT’s MENA Venture Investment Premium Report.

SKIN111 Medical & Aesthetic Clinic, an award-winning premium chain of aesthetic and wellness centres, is spreading its wings into the realm of advanced dental care with the launch of THE CLINIC SKIN111 in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Transforming an existing facility, the new clinic not only features innovative dental care services but also weaves together the worlds of healthcare and aesthetics. This move seamlessly unites advanced dental care and aesthetics within one distinguished location where professionals and entrepreneurs from around the world gather every day to conduct business and socialise. THE CLINIC is the first in SKIN111’s portfolio to include dental care services and is the first dental care centre in DIFC. It comprises a diverse team of specialists with expertise encompassing a wide spectrum of dental and aesthetic solutions. The new clinic also extends its services to include internal medicine, ensuring truly holistic healthcare for its patients. With multilingual staff, SKIN111's new clinic aims to add a personal touch to patient care, ensuring effective communication, cultural sensitivity, and trust. The clinic uses this focus on human connection to create an inclusive and positive environment that not only enhances the quality of care but also guarantees greater patient satisfaction.Commenting on the launch of the new facility, Ms. Supreet Kaur, Chief Operating Officer of SKIN111 Group, said, “We are pleased to unveil our new clinic, representing a significant step in our ongoing mission to deliver a comprehensive healthcare solution to our valued clientele. Dental health constitutes a fundamental facet of overall well-being, and with this introduction, we eagerly present a unified and holistic approach to both dental and aesthetic care within a single facility.”“The introduction of the latest dental care services at THE CLINIC SKIN111 combines top-tier dental care with the brand’s existing dental services, revolutionising the UAE's aesthetics and wellness landscape. By providing a holistic and comprehensive solution for clients looking to achieve their beauty, dental, and wellness goals with utmost dedication to perfection,” she added.The centre provides various solutions including Philips Zoom whitening, Invisalign, veneers, crowns and bridges, dental implants, dental and cosmetic fillings, orthodontics, oral surgery, root canal treatment, gum treatment, TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) therapy, general and family dentistry, and general hygiene.In addition to the remarkable dental services, the clinic is set to implement SKIN111's specialities in IV vitamin detox drip therapy and aesthetics treatments within the same location. These include procedures such as HIFU, laser hair removal, hydra facial, and injectables such as botox, fillers, skin boosters, and threads. This comprehensive approach underscores their commitment to delivering complete healthcare solutions for beauty, dental, and wellness goals, ensuring clients receive the finest care from the inside out.With the introduction of the comprehensive range of services at the clinic, SKIN111 is adding a new dimension to its exciting portfolio of exceptional wellness and aesthetic solutions. It has introduced an array of advanced technologies and dental packages. Notable offerings include Philips Zoom whitening for AED 990, dental scaling and polishing for AED 250, as well as special packages like receiving Zoom Whitening for free with the purchase of 1ml lip filler or Ultimate IV drip for AED 1950. A comprehensive full-body healthcare assessment is also available for only AED 290, which includes OligoScan vitamin analysis, InBody, and a dental check-up, a remarkable value worth AED 1800.SKIN111 Medical & Aesthetic Clinic is a pioneer healthcare provider in DIFC and leading provider of IV vitamin drips in Dubai, with this new facility boasting the prestigious title of an Invisalign Diamond Apex Provider. The introduction of this new clinic reinforces the brand’s mission to redefine wellness and aesthetics in the UAE, ensuring clients receive exceptional care for their beauty, dental, and wellness needs, all within one trusted location.Founded in 2009, SKIN111 sets itself apart as a premium health, wellness, and aesthetics clinic in the UAE. The clinic puts people first with its numerous invasive and non-invasive cutting-edge treatments that work hand-in-hand with traditional medicine. Specializing in bespoke personalized beauty, anti-ageing, and aesthetic dermatology, SKIN111 also offers innovative preventive medicine solutions, enabling early diagnosis of potential genetic-driven chronic conditions for their patients. 

C-level executives (CXOs) in the UAE overwhelmingly anticipate revenue and profit growth for their companies in the next 1-2 years, a new study by Darwinbox has revealed. The "HR Evolution Perspectives 2023" report by the HR software leader provides an in-depth analysis of what companies and employees expect from HR today and how equipped HR departments are to handle it.The study found that 89% of UAE CXOs expect profitability to rise, with 89% anticipating revenue growth. Almost three-quarters (72%) expect this growth through M&A, while 82% anticipate growth through organic expansion. As sustainability kicks into top gear, financing of green initiatives is rising, with 67% of CXOs expecting a rise in ESG investments.Meanwhile, 80% of these CXOs believe their organization will increase headcount. The study indicates that along with the focus on increased productivity, CXOs are also looking to hire for critical capabilities and emerging skills.Chaitanya Peddi, Co-founder of Darwinbox, said: "Undeniably, the CXOs in the UAE have an extremely positive economic outlook, and this will convert into more hiring in the coming 12-24 months. Hence, there will be more emphasis on strengthening the HR functions. HR teams must navigate a period of heightened employee expectations, a rapidly shifting digital landscape, and stakeholder pressure toward inclusive workplaces. The report makes no attempt to downplay these challenges; instead, it calls upon HR professionals to seize the opportunity to transform their organizations, powered by the transformative role of technology."  Despite the opportunities, UAE businesses are challenged by a rapidly shifting digital landscape, remote and hybrid work models, and renewed demands for more inclusive and sustainable work practices. UAE CXOs identified the inability to align culture and low employee productivity as a significant risk, with 38% saying their organization could not attune its corporate culture to changing business environments. With the full force of digital transformation sweeping through the business world, 69% of CXOs in the UAE now recognize the imperative of adapting to new digital work paradigms. Alarmingly, 31% of them feel unprepared to effectively address this challenge, revealing a significant vulnerability. A further 31% said they cannot redefine work by effectively leveraging digital and connected teams.In response, organizations are ramping up investments in technology to improve HR's effectiveness. In the next 12 to 24 months, 64% of UAE organizations plan to adopt robotics and automation for HR. Additionally, 64% plan to invest in digitizing their HR Systems, while 53% plan end-to-end process redesign. As a seasoned expert who has successfully navigated the digital adoption roadmap with numerous enterprises in the region, Darwinbox is already solving for this digital adoption and finds a strong appetite for transformation in the Middle Eastern market.Chaitanya Peddi added: "Worldwide, and particularly in the UAE, organizations are increasingly prioritizing the Digital HR agenda to enhance productivity, agility, and overall employee experience. At Darwinbox, we firmly believe that while identifying and implementing technology to drive efficiencies is the initial phase, the true return on investment emerges when organizations continually embrace technology and use it to adapt to evolving circumstances. Therefore, we collaborate closely with our customer base, attentively listening to their needs and delivering innovative solutions that empower them to stay ahead of the curve."Darwinbox's cloud-based Human Capital Management platform caters to HR needs across the entire employee lifecycle with new-age employee experiences and disruptive AI-powered technology. Powering 850+ enterprises across 110 countries and trusted by 2.2 million employees across the globe, the company has clocked a 2.6x revenue growth and increased its headcount by 240% in UAE since its Series D Unicorn funding round in January 2022. The company has opened its regional office at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).The survey was carried out in collaboration with People Matters, the study gathered responses from over 1,200 HR practitioners and around 1,500 employees in Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle East. Online surveys took place between February and May of this year.

Stablecoins have been one of the most pivotal use cases for digital assets. Traditionally, the stablecoin landscape has been dominated by US dollar-backed stablecoins such as USDT, USDC, and the recently introduced PYUSD. To gauge their popularity, one only needs to look at the numbers, i.e., the total market cap of stablecoins hovers around $124.117 billion (according to DeFi Llama), with USDT leading the way with a commanding 67.13% market share. Given its association with the world's most influential currency, the US Dollar. As crypto regulations keep developing across more regions, one will see a corresponding growth in the popular use cases.  The primary utility of stablecoins lies in their ability to facilitate cross-border payments at an exceptionally low cost. Globally, corporations shuffle approximately $23.5 trillion (as per JP Morgan's report) across borders each year. The associated transaction costs for these massive sums tally up to a staggering $120 billion annually. Issues like trapped liquidity, delayed settlements, and the need for foreign currency conversions also plague this process. In this context, stablecoins offer a streamlined solution, enabling seamless transactions with unparalleled security and traceability on a distributed ledger technology. These transactions can easily be facilitated through regulated and compliant custody solutions providers.The UAE market has already surprised us with its commitment to becoming a leader in the digital assets space, and it is not surprising to see such highly innovative and simple-to-use Web3 products emerging from the nation. The launch of Dirham-backed stablecoin shows that the digital asset market in the region is entering a more mature phase and is ready for the next stage of growth on the back of evolved regulatory frameworks.Not only that, the UAE market is also emerging as a global hub for Web3 innovation, and the Dubai International Finance Center (DIFC) is acting as a fulcrum to strike a fine balance between regulations and the business aspirations of Web3 entrepreneurs. The growing popularity of the UAE as a Web3 hub clearly shows in the statistics released by DIFC. There has been a 23% rise in the companies enrolling at DIFC this year. Out of these, 660 companies are led by fintech innovation. The UAE regulators are focused on boosting the local economy by liberalising the policies to suit the needs of emerging technologies like Web3. The move will create high-quality jobs for the local community, provide skill development opportunities and add to the region's economic growth through operational expenditures and services to the public. The rapid advancements on the policy front will ensure that the UAE is at the forefront of the web3 revolution and stays ahead of its global counterparts. Liminal is keen to build a strong presence in the UAE region and has received in-principle approval from ADGM in Abu Dhabi to provide digital asset custody services to Web3 businesses and institutions. As an active player in the region, Liminal already has a premium clientele and will look to leverage its position further. We are committed to the UAE Web3 growth story and have hired local talent for leadership positions. We will continue to expand our operations across the Middle East.

Dubai: Archie has chosen the UAE as its first global launch market, bringing the firm’s innovative new growth acceleration model to the region’s fast-growing fintech market.The UAE’s Digital Economy Strategy is targeted at increasing the digital sector's share in the UAE's GDP from 9.7% to more than 20% by 2031. Currently, the UAE's digital economy stands at an estimated $38 billion – by 2031, it is projected to surpass $140 billion in value.[1]With this ambition, the region is set to become an even more prominent part of the global fintech scene, with significant pools of investment and a strong focus on attracting some of the world’s best talent. Investor funding for fintech start-ups alone in MENAP more than quadrupled from nearly $200 million in 2020 to approximately $885 million in 2022.[2]Archie has therefore identified the UAE and wider GCC as a central part of the firm’s long-term ambitions to partner with some of the world’s most exciting fintechs. Led by some of the world’s leading fintech growth experts, Archie is launching with an ambition to help the UAE’s ecosystem and support the best fintechs to successfully deliver their go-to-market plans and propel their fintechs from early growth into hyper-scale.Offering a new partner model to accelerate fintech growth , Archie will invest its intellectual capital, go-to-market and growth expertise, along with the highly-prized ARCHIE NETWORK in exchange for equity – a key differentiator with the fintech ecosystem, designed specifically to ensure a true partnership with fintech founders, aligning all interests and focussing efforts on driving success.Archie has been founded by serial fintech entrepreneur Anthony Thomson who founded and Chaired both Atom and Metro Bank in the United Kingdom and digital bank 86 400 in Australia. Anthony currently also sits on the board of WIO Bank based in the UAE.Archie’s senior team also includes global tech and fintech leader Steve Brennen as Co-Founder and CEO (Uber, PayPal, eBay & Zip), along with fellow Co-Founders Tommy Mermelshtayn (global scaler and strategy, Zip and Equifax) and Richard McCandless (brand and performance optimisation, FCB and Publicis Groupe).Banking and tech veterans Fawaz Zu’bi (founder and CEO of global venture capital firm Silicon Badia) and Paul Pester (Chair of Tandem Bank, former CEO of TSB and Virgin Money globally, and founder of Loop) will also provide expertise acting as Non-Executive Directors.Co-Founder and CEO of Archie, Steve Brennen, said:“The UAE has set out an ambition to continue to grow and be one of the leading well-regulated and forward-thinking financial services hubs.“It’s set to be a prominent part of the global fintech scene, attracting some of the world’s best talent and global investors. Archie wants to help build on that dream and we’re thrilled to be here, and even more excited to get started in unlocking the growth potential for founders and the region as a whole.”The Archie team, will be hosting their first SUPERSCALE event at DIFC in Dubai on Tuesday 12 September.Archie is inviting fintech founders to attend the first SUPERSCALE event, along with leaders and investors from across the GCC fintech ecosystem, to learn from Archie’s world-leading team on the opportunities and challenges facing fintech scale-ups, and practical solutions to unleash their exponential growth. The event will be held in partnership with Wio Bank and Legal Intro.

The Dubai AI and Web 3.0 Campus has announced that it is issuing artificial intelligence (AI) and Web3 licenses supporting activities ranging from Distributed Ledger Technology Services, specialised Artificial Intelligence Research & consultancies, IT infrastructure builders, Technology Research and Development and Public Networking Services.Licenses will be issued by Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, which is currently home to an established ecosystem of tech enablers and start-ups at the DIFC Innovation Hub.The Dubai AI and Web 3.0 Campus is a dedicated campus for AI and Web3 innovation and will provide state-of-the-art physical and digital infrastructure within the DIFC Innovation One new premises, including R&D facilities, accelerator programmes and collaborative workspaces, to attract, build and scale firms in the region. The campus was launched earlier this year and is supported by Dubai’s industry-leading regulatory regime aligned with the emirate’s vision of becoming a global leader in AI and Web3.PwC estimates AI to contribute USD15.7 trn to the global economy by 2030. Another report by McKinsey determines that AI will create about 200,000 jobs in the Middle East alone by 2025. Supporting this growth, the Dubai AI and Web 3.0 Campus is positioned to become the largest cluster of AI & Web3 companies in the region attracting over USD300 mn in capital and creating 3,000 jobs by 2028. The campus will also increase accessibility and participation in Web3 development, backed by a collection of underlying technologies such as blockchain, AI, internet of things and the metaverse. Virtual assets owned in Web3 decentralised infrastructures represented about 40 per cent of the virtual-asset global economy in 2021, according to a report by BCG, and the transaction value of virtual assets is said to range between USD150 billion and USD300 billion by 2025.Mohammad Alblooshi, Chief Executive Officer of the DIFC Innovation Hub, said: “We are thrilled to announce that we are now granting innovative AI and Web3 companies licenses out of DIFC. The campus will foster a world-class nurturing environment that enables business growth and development. We are confident that by granting these licenses, we will attract more global talent and investment to the region and create a culture of collaboration and innovation. This is a notable milestone for the Dubai AI and Web3 Campus and will strengthen Dubai’s position as the business destination of choice for technology-focused companies and attract more world class talent and diversified investors to the region.”

Dubai : On the back of strong growth in the Middle East, Ripple, the leader in enterprise blockchain and crypto solutions, is expanding its presence in Dubai by opening a new office location in the heart of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and bringing Swell Global 2023, the seventh edition of its annual customer conference, to Dubai on November 8-9.Ripple has long focused on serving customers around the world with over 90% of the company’s business outside the US. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is a key market for the company, with around 20% of all RippleNet customers, such as SABB, Qatar National Bank, Lulu Financial Holdings, Al-Ansari Exchange, and RAK Bank, based here. Over half of Ripple’s MENA payment volume consists of cross-border payments such as remittances from the UAE, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to India. In 2020, the company chose the DIFC as the location for its MENA headquarters due to Dubai’s innovation-forward regulations, expansive network and reputation as a leading global financial centre.“We chose Dubai as both a key office for Ripple, and to bring Swell Global to the city, in large part due to its forward-thinking regulatory environment. Regulators here have risen to the challenge of establishing a framework that allows the local crypto industry to thrive, create jobs and increase economic growth, while also ensuring participants act in a responsible manner, ” said Brad Garlinghouse, Ripple CEO. “Dubai is playing an important part in shaping the world’s future economy. By demonstrating truly visionary leadership, the Emirate has positioned itself as an exciting fintech hub that is embracing crypto and blockchain technologies to bring innovation and foreign investment into the space.“In late 2021, Ripple announced the launch of its first-ever On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) deployment in the Middle East, with Pyypl, the international blockchain-based financial services technology company in the Middle East and Africa. ODL leverages the digital asset XRP to underpin instant and low-cost cross-border payments. By using ODL, financial institutions and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) can leverage previously trapped, pre-funded capital to grow and scale their businesses. Billions of dollars have been transacted to and from MENA customers through ODL since launch.“In a hyper-global connected world, the need for cross-border payments is on the rise, with an estimated $156T worth of cross-border payment flows in 2022 alone. As a region containing a number of significant remittance markets and corridors, the Middle East’s financial institutions are focused on making payments faster, cheaper and more efficient for the people who need it the most. This is where Ripple excels. We were the first enterprise company to leverage crypto to tackle the trillion-dollar challenges associated with cross-border payments – expertise that we have been bringing to our customers in the Middle East for a number of years. Ripple is proud of its presence in the UAE and we are excited about what the future holds for our business in the region,” said Navin Gupta, Managing Director, South Asia & MENA, at Ripple.When Swell Global lands in Dubai, it will follow previous successful events which saw hundreds of Ripple’s customers and partners come together in London and Singapore, two other major global financial centres. The conference announcement comes as Ripple’s CEO Brad Garlinghouse arrives in Dubai to appear as a keynote speaker at Dubai Fintech Summit 2023. Garlinghouse will take the main stage alongside other global thought leaders, decision-makers and policymakers from the worlds of fintech, finance and crypto.

Dubai: Telr, the award-winning online payment gateway, has announced its participation in the Dubai FinTech Summit 2023 as a Bronze Sponsor, which will take place on May 8-9, 2023, at the Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. Telr will showcase its latest advanced payment services and methods as part of the event.The summit, organized by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), is a platform for thought leaders and industry experts to discuss the most pressing challenges and technological advancements in the financial services sector. Telr's participation as a Bronze Sponsor is a testament to its commitment to innovation and its mission of enabling customers to go cashless and digitize how they accept payments.Khalil Alami, Founder, and CEO of Telr, expressed his enthusiasm about participating in the Dubai FinTech Summit 2023, stating that "Dubai is one of the world's top FinTech hubs, and we are thrilled to be part of that. At Telr, we constantly strive to innovate and offer our customers the most advanced and secure payment solutions." Alami added, "We are looking forward towards engaging with a diverse pool of fintech players and forming new partnerships at the Dubai FinTech Summit 2023."Telr's team will be at booth B2, interacting with consumers and demonstrating how Telr's one-stop-shop mindset provides comprehensive solutions for the e-commerce world. Their solutions include payment links, QR Codes payments, digital invoicing, Buy Now Pay Later service (BNPL), a merchant financing program, and an easy-to-use tool called Telr shops for creating an online store in five minutes.With a mission that entails contributing towards the transition to digital payments and achieving a cashless society, Telr continues to be at the forefront of the UAE's FinTech sector, providing its customers with access to over 120 currencies and 30 languages with the highest level of security.

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), one of Dubai's most sought-after lifestyle destinations, has a number of offers and experiences for visitors during the last few days of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF). From outdoor fitness classes, IV drips and tea rituals, right through to a foodie pop-up straight from the US, DIFC has you covered for everything you could need this season.Find your zen at DIFCFind your calm amid a busy life with Inspire Yoga’s new rooftop yoga sessions at Gate Avenue. Going beyond a typical class experience, visitors can enjoy the cool weather and opt for a sunrise yoga experience from 7am to 10.30am or a sunset one from 4pm to 10pm, every Sunday until 29 January.In a bustling city like Dubai, tea rituals can be a source of calm and a great reminder to slow down. The healthy ‘tea experience’ at Spaces Eatery, Gate District, Building 2, helps enhance the beneficial experience by providing a nurturing haven for your mind and body. Spaces has shortlisted nineteen invigorating, specially crafted tea offerings that combine functionality with flavours and aesthetics for customers to try.Skin111 at Gate Village 5 is offering free consultations and up to 40 per cent off on their IV therapy sessions. As a leading provider of IV therapy in Dubai, Skin111 has pioneered several potent formulations that support the body, prevent chronic diseases and alleviate symptoms. Their tailored approach to IV treatment with the use of special medical tools help understand the importance of micronutrients and their impact on our body.Back to business with DIFC’s new business lunchesExperience a hassle-free business lunch in the tranquil ambience of Spaces Eatery, which is the perfect setting to relax or host an important meeting. The three-course menu is priced at AED110 with a choice of drink from their refreshing lemonade and iced tea menu. The two-course set menu is priced at AED90.Whether you want to escape from a hectic work schedule and enjoy a quiet lunch, impress a client or simply catch up with friends, the quaint and charming setting of BB Social Dining in Gate Village, Building 8, is a must try. The delicious menu favourites include the Chicken Bang Bang Bao Bun and Tuna Crispy Rice, available as part of their three course business lunch menu for AED110.New dining concepts to tempt your tastebudsPEPPERS, the popular Nashville hot chicken joint from the US now has a pop-up at Zone C podium level in Gate Avenue. Crafted by the founder’s own secret blend of spices developed in an NYC lab, culinary thrill seekers can enjoy an explosion of heat and flavour with exciting new menu items, including loaded fries with pepper sauce and cheddar cheese, as well as Sandos piled up with tender chicken, slaw, hot pepper sauce and homemade pickles in a soft brioche bun.Salmontini’s all new bistro concept is a combination of delicious food and comfort, making it one of DIFC’s best all-day dining experiences. Mouth-watering classics, such as eggs benedict, protein rich smoked salmon, homemade lobster rolls, fresh salads and delish desserts give Salmontini its stellar reputation. Visitors can make the most of the cool weather and enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner al-fresco by the Balcony at Gate District.Make the most of the last few days of DSFUntil 29 January, retailers at DIFC are offering up to 50 per cent off on their current season stock. Retailers, including Mia Makeup, Ramsey, Bella Maison, Penti and Brazilian retailer, Colcci are offering huge discounts.DIFC is also offering unmissable discounts and a chance to win vouchers and participate in raffles and competitions during the last few days of DSF, running until 29 January. Visitors can spend AED100 and enter the ‘Spend and Win’ competition by scanning a barcode at all DIFC retailers’ payment points, enabling them to enter a digital raffle draw by scanning their receipt. One lucky winner, chosen at random daily, will win AED1,000 worth of vouchers from the DIFC retailers.Visitors can also enjoy immersive, giant versions of their favourite board games; and if they win, they stand a chance to double their winnings with the ‘Spend and Win’ campaign. The games are located in Zone D of Gate Avenue and in the Gate District opposite Royal China.Participation in DIFC Surprise Stakes, Snakes and Ladders and Spend and Win is open to everyone who has spent AED100 or more, including purchases at food and beverage outlets, in DIFC.Leave all your travel arrangements to Musafir.comMusafir.com’s DIFC branch is offering exclusive discounts across holiday tour packages, local tours, flights to more than 3,000 destinations and hotel stays in over one million properties globally.The exclusive offers at DIFC include:50 per cent off on global visa assistance chargesAED500 off on your next holiday booking (with a minimum of twin booking)7 per cent discount on hotel bookings10 per cent off on the UAE tourist visa

 Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, and President of DIFC, has announced the launch of the Dubai FinTech Summit, a global event that will bring together more than 5,000 experts, thought leaders, policymakers and decision-makers in Dubai to discuss how they can shape a new wave of innovation, enterprise and growth for the international financial industry.To be organised by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai FinTech Summit will take place on 8 and 9 May 2023 in Dubai. The event will see some of the world's biggest personalities in the industry delivering keynote presentations, sharing their perspectives on industry challenges and identifying opportunities to maximise the impact of FinTech for people, businesses and economies.Home to the region's largest cluster of FinTech and Innovation businesses, DIFC is one of the brightest growth spots in the global FinTech market valued at more than $135.9 billion in 2021. The global market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.9% between 2022-2027 to reach a value of over $266.9 billion by 2027.1 Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, said: "The Dubai FinTech Summit will bring together ideas, knowledge and perspectives that can help unlock a new phase of exponential growth for the global financial sector and FinTech in the Global Economy. DIFC will leverage the platform offered by the Summit to bring together banks, FinTechs and regulators from across the world to further stimulate the digital advancement of the financial sector.We already have over 600 FinTech and innovation firms in DIFC who are changing the face of the industry and contributing to the economic growth of our country. The 23% expansion that DIFC's FinTech community saw in the first half of this year is a testament to the dynamic growth-friendly platform that we offer financial companies from across the world."The Summit's programme will feature in-depth discussions across key tracks including the future of FinTech, embedded and Open Finance, sustainability, Web 3.0 and digital assets. The Summit will also provide an opportunity for more than 100 FinTechs and Future of Finance players to display their latest technology and innovations.