DUBAI, UAE, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, today announced that it will become the world's first AI-Native financial centre.
As an AI-Native jurisdiction and destination, artificial intelligence will be embedded at the foundational level across legal and regulatory frameworks, business operations, talent development systems, ecosystem infrastructure and the district's physical environment.
The Centre's Native AI programme will generate USD 3.5bn (AED 12.9bn) in economic benefits and 25,000 jobs.
Uniquely positioned to become an AI role model for the finance industry, DIFC has the advantage of speed to implementation, being less constrained by legacy processes and regulation experienced by traditional financial centres.
DIFC will also provide financial firms with access to advanced AI tools to support their operations and export AI governance software and trained talent to the Global South. The jurisdiction will become the first to offer a full-stack AI Campus combining regulation, training, compute and physical AI.
His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC said: "DIFC's evolution into the world's first AI-Native financial centre marks a defining step in Dubai's ascent as a global capital for the future of finance. As artificial intelligence reshapes the international financial landscape, this initiative reinforces Dubai's role in setting new standards for innovation, trust and competitiveness. In line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, it underscores our commitment to building a resilient, forward-looking economy and positioning the emirate at the forefront of responsible AI adoption in financial services worldwide."
Within its legal and regulatory architecture, DIFC will establish ethics and governance frameworks that address not only human activity but also AI agents and robotics, positioning itself at the forefront of responsible innovation. Across business operations, AI will be embedded into enterprise workflows, compliance systems and financial services delivery, creating intelligent, automated and trusted financial ecosystems.
DIFC also intends to become the number one global destination for AI-in-finance companies, surpassing other top ten financial centres in start-up density, venture capital funding and unicorn creation.
DIFC's commitment to advancing the city's position as a global AI hub is highlighted through the Dubai AI Festival, which will be held at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) on 26 and 27 October 2026, convening 20,000 people from across the world.
For the video: https://youtu.be/Al8rMWgBASM
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DIFC to become the world's first AI-Native financial centre
HANGZHOU, China, April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Geely Auto is hosting its 2026 International Business Partner Conference in Hangzhou from April 21 to 23. The conference brings together over 1,000 dealer representatives from more than 100 countries and regions, including leading automotive retail groups worldwide, to outline Geely's international business strategy under the "One Geely" framework and reaffirm the company's commitment to expanding its global footprint alongside its partners.
During the conference, Geely's senior leadership presented a comprehensive overview of the group's global strategy roadmap, highlighting the close coordination of its R&D systems to drive forward-looking technology planning and innovation. The three vehicle research institutes of Geely, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr shared key models and future product plans for international markets. This integrated, collaborative approach continues to strengthen the "One Geely" strategic framework, providing strong momentum for high-quality global growth.
Geely's global ambitions are underpinned by strong performance. In 2025, Geely Holding Group surpassed 4 million units in total annual sales for the first time, ranking among the world's top ten automakers and leading in growth. Geely Auto Group alone delivered 3.025 million vehicles, up 39% year-on-year. Looking ahead, Geely Holding is targeting its "One Geely, Leading through Innovation and Integration" 2030 strategic goal: global sales exceeding 6.5 million units including commercial vehicles, a top-five position among global automakers by volume, approximately 75% new energy vehicle mix, and overseas sales accounting for more than one-third of total volume.
Entering 2026, Geely Auto Group has maintained its rapid growth trajectory, setting a new first-quarter record of 709,400 units sold, with exports surpassing 200,000 units - a 126% year-on-year increase. Amid an accelerating reshaping of the global automotive landscape, Jerry Gan, CEO of Geely Auto noted that "Geely continuously strengthens its foundation and refines its core competencies. By integrating the best of the global automotive industry with our own strengths, we are building a world-class automotive ecosystem."
Guided by a philosophy of win-win collaboration, Geely continues to deepen partnerships with international partners while building a localized global operating system. In line with the 2030 strategy, Alex Nan, Vice President of Geely Auto Group and CEO of Geely Auto International Corporation, outlined a clear roadmap for global business development. He emphasized a multi-energy approach spanning both ICE and electric vehicles, with a focus on building sustainable competitive advantages rooted in user value. To date, Geely has established over 1,800 sales and service outlets across more than 100 countries and regions, serving over 20 million users worldwide.
Beyond the strategic sessions, the conference also offers global partners a firsthand look at the full-spectrum capabilities behind "One Geely" through visits to the Geely Global Safety Center, the Zeekr Intelligent Factory and immersive demonstrations of advanced intelligent driving technology. By showcasing its core strengths in safety, manufacturing and intelligent mobility, Geely aims to deepen partner trust and build momentum for the next chapter of global growth.
About Geely Auto Group
Geely Auto Group is a leading global automotive company headquartered in Hangzhou, China. Founded in 1986 and part of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, Geely Auto Group develops and manufactures passenger vehicles under the Geely, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr brands.
Geely Auto achieved cumulative sales of 3,024,567 units in 2025, exceeding the full-year sales target with a year-on-year growth of 39%. New energy vehicle (NEV) sales reached 1,687,767 units, a year-on-year increase of 90%.
With a strong focus on technology innovation, electrification, and sustainable mobility, Geely Auto Group operates world-class R&D centers and manufacturing facilities across China, Europe, and key international markets. The Group is committed to delivering safe, high-quality, and intelligent vehicles enabled by advanced technologies such as hybrid powertrains, full-electric architectures, smart connectivity, and autonomous driving systems.
As a global company, Geely Auto Group continues to expand its international presence through strategic partnerships, localized operations, and industry-leading platforms. Geely strives to create mobility solutions that are greener, smarter, and more accessible, driving forward the future of sustainable transportation.
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2026 Geely Auto International Business Partner Conference Opens in Hangzhou, "One Geely" Strategy Accelerates Global Development
