In a significant step toward deepening global financial partnerships, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance, met with C.S. Venkatakrishnan, CEO of global banking giant Barclays, at his office in Dubai on Tuesday.

The meeting focused on strengthening financial and banking cooperation between Dubai and Barclays Group, while also exploring new opportunities for growth and expansion in light of Dubai’s dynamic investment environment and advanced financial infrastructure.

Strengthening Dubai’s Position as a Financial Powerhouse

Sheikh Maktoum reaffirmed that Dubai continues to consolidate its status as a leading global financial center, crediting the visionary leadership of the UAE and its commitment to building an agile and innovation-driven economic ecosystem.

“Dubai offers a flexible financial and regulatory environment, paired with world-class digital infrastructure, making it one of the most attractive destinations globally for financial institutions,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of long-term strategic partnerships with major players like Barclays, highlighting their role in driving economic development and bolstering investor confidence in Dubai and the wider region.

A Launchpad for Global Expansion

“We are committed to providing all necessary support and facilitation to global financial institutions looking to expand from Dubai into regional and international markets,” Sheikh Maktoum added.

This vision aligns closely with the objectives of Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the city’s GDP and position Dubai among the top three global economic cities in the coming years.

In a post on his official account on Platform X, Sheikh Maktoum wrote:

“Today, I met with C.S. Venkatakrishnan, CEO of Barclays Group, to discuss financial cooperation and the expansion opportunities made possible by the UAE and Dubai’s evolving investment climate. We continue to position Dubai as a global financial hub and are committed to building an integrated financial ecosystem that redefines the future of banking.”

Barclays Commends Dubai’s Vision

For his part, C.S. Venkatakrishnan praised Dubai’s exceptional economic standing and forward-thinking approach to financial development. He noted the emirate’s proactive embrace of modern financial technologies and digital solutions as key reasons for Barclays’ interest in strengthening its presence in the UAE.

Barclays, which operates in more than 40 countries, offers a full range of banking and investment services through its Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) office. These include investment banking, corporate financing, asset and wealth management—demonstrating the group’s confidence in Dubai’s growing role as a financial gateway for global capital.

A High-Profile Meeting

The meeting was also attended by senior UAE officials, including:

• Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary-General of the Executive Council of Dubai

• Abdulrahman Saleh Al Saleh, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Finance

• Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism

• Essa Kazim, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)