High-level leaders from the United Arab Emirates and the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) met recently to explore expanded collaboration, underscoring the UAE’s commitment to cementing its position as a leading global financial hub. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance, convened with Javier Pérez-Tasso, CEO of SWIFT, on November 20, 2025, in Dubai. The discussion focused on leveraging the country’s robust infrastructure, progressive regulations, and digital transformation initiatives to enhance global financial resilience and facilitate cross-border economic flows.
Sheikh Maktoum emphasized the UAE’s dedication to cultivating a dynamic, future-proof financial ecosystem. He highlighted that the nation’s advanced financial infrastructure and pro-business policies continue to attract major international institutions seeking to broaden their regional presence. Specifically noting Dubai’s ascent as a critical gateway between international markets, the Sheikh stressed the importance of tighter cooperation with global entities like SWIFT to bolster trade, ensure the integrity of the financial system, and promote industry-wide standardization.
Aligning with Economic Goals
This strategic partnership aligns directly with the ambitious targets set by the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to position the emirate among the world’s top four financial centers. By working closely with international players, Dubai aims to streamline global financial transactions and reinforce its status as a pivotal nexus for commerce and capital.
A significant outcome of the meeting was the official acknowledgment of Dubai’s selection as the host city for SIBOS 2029. Organized by SWIFT, SIBOS is recognized as one of the financial industry’s largest and most influential annual conferences. Sheikh Maktoum welcomed the decision, noting that hosting the prestigious event reflects Dubai’s expanding global influence and its capacity to manage major international industry gatherings, supported by its world-class infrastructure and ecosystem.
SWIFT’s Global Role
SWIFT, a member-owned cooperative headquartered in Belgium, is integral to the global financial landscape. It provides secure, standardized financial messaging services, connecting over 11,500 banking and securities organizations, corporations, and market infrastructures across more than 200 countries and territories.
The organization plays a foundational role in enabling global financial flows, driving advances in cybersecurity, optimizing operational efficiency, and strengthening compliance frameworks worldwide. SWIFT processes a daily average of over 53 million FIN messages, which serve as the secure communication standard among financial institutions. The cooperative maintains a significant regional presence through an office situated in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
The meeting showcased the UAE’s multi-faceted approach to enhancing global financial connectivity, bringing together important government and financial sector leaders. Attendees included His Excellency Mohammed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs; His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC; and His Excellency Helal Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. The strengthened alliance between Dubai and SWIFT is poised to accelerate technological adoption in the region, promoting a more secure and efficient international payments system.