Why the MEASA (Middle East Africa South Asia) Region is Compelling for Innovation Companies Looking at International Expansion

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Innovate Finance invite you to join a webinar discussion to learn about why MEASA is a natural step for UK innovation companies seeking international expansion and how the DIFC can support you to access the market, capital and talent. The event will include insightful discussions with DIFC senior executives about current market dynamics, options for entry and our views on what business models are most in demand.

About Dubai International Financial Centre
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the world’s most advanced financial centres, and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), which comprises 72 countries with an approximate population of 3 billion and a nominal GDP of USD 7.7 trillion.

With a 16-year track record of facilitating trade and investment flows across the MEASA region, the Centre connects these fast-growing markets with the economies of Asia, Europe and the Americas through Dubai.
DIFC is home to an internationally recognised, independent regulator and a proven judicial system with an English common law framework, as well as the region’s largest financial ecosystem of almost 27,000 professionals working across over 2,900 active registered companies – making up the largest and most diverse pool of industry talent in the region.

In addition, DIFC has formally engaged with the UK’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport Department (DCMS) regarding evaluation of the Data Protection Law, DIFC Law No. 5 of 2020 (DP Law 2020). The aim is to secure adequacy recognition by the UK, reinforcing DIFC’s alignment with the highest international standards for data protection. Find out more here.

The Centre’s vision is to drive the future of finance. Today, it offers one of the region’s most comprehensive FinTech and venture capital environments, including cost-effective licensing solutions, fit-for-purpose regulation, innovative accelerator programmes, and funding for growth-stage start-ups.

Comprising a variety of world-renowned retail and dining venues, a dynamic art and culture scene, residential apartments, hotels and public spaces, DIFC continues to be one of Dubai’s most sought-after business and lifestyle destinations.

Agenda
9:00am - 9:10am: Welcome Remarks – DIFC
9:10am - 9:25am: Why MEASA is a compelling choice for international expansion – Ali Hassan, Senior Representative for Europe and North America, DIFC Authority
9:25am - 9:35am: Practitioner’s View - Lee McMahon, Co‑Founder & Chief Business Officer, Clara
9:35am - 10:00am: Q&A