What MNCs Do in DIFC (and Why)

16

September

  • 12pm London | 3pm UAE
  • Free

Why attend?

Why Attend the Webinar?

DIFC is the #1 global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA), chosen by corporates to manage regional and global operations. With over 7,700 active firms and 48,000+ professionals from 150+ nationalities, DIFC offers a world-class platform where conglomerates centralise services, reduce costs, and expand into new markets.

This session will explore why multinationals and corporates select DIFC as their home. It breaks down the ecosystem, the regulator, the courts, the banks and PSPs. It drills into the structures that matter, from holding companies to prescribed companies (SPVs), all under an internationally recognised legal and regulatory framework.

 

What We’ll Cover:

Why DIFC

  • Legal and Regulatory Advantages: English common law framework, international insolvency and netting standards, independent courts, DFSA regulation
  • Market Benefits: 100% foreign ownership, no restrictions on currency or capital repatriation, attractive tax regime
  • Business Ecosystem: Global banks, professional service providers and manpower

 

Case studies

  • Regional Holding Companies: How multinationals consolidate multiple GCC subsidiaries under one entity for simpler governance
  • Prescribed Companies (SPVs): Using prescribed companies to ring-fence risk, attract JV partners, and simplify future exits
  • Shared Services Hubs: Treasury, HR, IT, platforms reducing duplication, cutting costs, and centralising expertise
  • Co-Investment Platforms: Aligning investors and JV partners under clear governance, with DIFC courts providing enforceability

 

Takeaway

  • Understand why leading corporates choose DIFC for legal certainty, tax efficiency, and market access.
  • Discover how DIFC helps multinationals centralise governance, and access global finance.
  • Walk away with strategies you can hand to Legal, Tax, and Treasury teams.

Speakers

Select a speaker to learn more

Back
Ghaleb Alahdab
Head – Public and Government Affairs NEUAE, Boehringer Ingelheim

Experienced Commercial, Governmental Affairs and Communications professional with a demonstrated over 15 years history of working in the pharmaceuticals industry. Skilled in Governmental Affairs, Marketing Strategy, Digital Marketing, Media relations, Strategic Communications, and Corporate Communications both internal and external.

Next speaker
Back
Salmaan Jaffery
Chief Business Development Officer, DIFC Authority

Salmaan is the Chief Business Development Officer for the Dubai International Financial Centre. He is a member of the management team and is responsible for overseeing the DIFC client portfolio as well as the DIFC’s growth strategy. Salmaan has 25+ years of experience in North America, Asia and MENA with leadership roles at global firms such as Oliver Wyman, Citibank, American Express and PwC. Mr. Jaffery holds an MBA from Cornell University and a BA in International Relations (Phi Beta Kappa) from Colgate University in the United States and serves on several Boards.

Next speaker
Back
Sheetal Soni
Partner, MI Capital Services (MICS)

Sheetal Soni is a seasoned finance professional with 20+ years of expertise across Strategic & Corporate Finance, M&A, Debt, Taxation, and Wealth Management. He has raised over USD 8 billion through innovative financing and advisory solutions across global markets.

Currently, he serves as Partner at MI Capital Services (MICS), where he drives value for businesses and family offices. His expertise covers investments, valuations, due diligence, tax structuring, compliance, and multi-asset wealth strategies. Recognized as a leading advisor in M&A, Tax, and Structuring—and a thought leader—Sheetal is known for blending technical excellence with clarity, simplicity, and impact.

Next speaker
Back
Douglas Blakey
Group Editor, Banking and payments, GlobalData

Douglas joined Retail Banker International in 2005 and has edited RBI along with sister title Electronic Payments International since 2010. In addition, he has editorial responsibility for GlobalData’s wealth management title Private Banker Intl. Douglas chaired industry group The Digital Banking Club from 2013-2018 and is a regular speaker and moderator on the conference circuit.

Next speaker

Enquiry