The Dubai Future District Fund (DFDF), anchored by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), reported significant strategic growth in 2024, with over $1.65 billion in capital commitments and support for more than 190 portfolio companies.
These figures were shared during the Fund’s Annual General Meeting, where the Board of Directors highlighted progress across its investment mandate. The Fund has supported over 190 portfolio companies through direct investments as well as 12 Fund of Funds initiatives, aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).
The Fund emphasized that these efforts reinforce its role in advancing technology, talent, and venture capital in the region.
Khalfan Belhoul, DFDF board of directors chairman and CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, stated, “These achievements underscore the central role that the Dubai Future District Fund plays in driving the growth of Dubai’s digital economy – one that thrives on innovation and leverages the latest future technologies across key sectors.”
Expanding beyond core investments
“Innovation thrives not in isolation, but within inclusive, connected communities,” remarked Arif Amiri, DFDF board member and chief executive officer of DIFC Authority. “As the Fund continues to position Dubai as a global pioneer for innovation, we are more committed than ever to cultivating collaboration with partners globally who are also committed to driving future economic growth.”
In 2024, DFDF expanded its focus beyond core investment activities to demonstrate how venture capital can serve as a conduit for public-private collaboration and scalable innovation. The Fund published value creation case studies in partnership with key institutions across sectors, highlighting its growing role as a strategic enabler.
With the UAE’s announcement of 2025 as the Year of the Community, DFDF outlined a renewed commitment to building stronger bridges across the innovation landscape – connecting founders and funders, startups and regulators, as well as the region and global markets.
