Home lists 100 Most Powerful Arabs 2023 Essa Kazim Governor, DIFC Origin: UAE Residence: UAE Sector: Finance The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) posted its highest ever revenue, totalling Dhs1.06bn ($288m) in 2022. A total of 1,084 new companies registered in DIFC last year, exceeding the annual milestone of 1,000 for the first time. It also posted a 19 per cent year-on-year rise in operating profit to reach $184.8m in 2022. With Kazim at its helm, the centre continues to contribute to Dubai’s economic growth and pursue its vision to drive the future of finance. He is also the vice chairman of telecoms operator e& as well as a board member of Nasdaq Dubai.