Why Dubai? The Natural Next Step for Affinity

Today is UN SDG Flag Day, a timely reminder that progress comes from clarity, purpose, and action. In this blog, we also reflect on the momentum the UAE is building in areas aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, from clean energy and innovation to sustainable cities and inclusion. These efforts resonate with the values that continue to guide how we serve our clients.

September 25, 2025

Affinity’s recent expansion into the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) was a natural next step in our growth strategy, bringing us closer to our clients in the region and building on the momentum we’ve seen as a business over the past year.


With a well-established reputation in Jersey for delivering bespoke wealth solutions our presence in the DIFC adds a complementary jurisdiction and a vital hub for both existing and new clients. As more families shift their interests to the Middle East, our DIFC office enables us to support their evolving needs and connect with new families across the region and internationally.


A jurisdiction that aligns with our vision


The DIFC is a purpose-built free zone and one of the world’s most respected and well-regulated financial centres. It enhances our offering by providing continuity, credibility, and global reach for clients seeking robust wealth structuring solutions. DIFC foundations in particular, are increasingly favoured for their flexibility, confidentiality, and governance aligned with international standards. Its progressive regulatory framework , focused on transparency, accountability, and investor protection, makes the DIFC a compelling base for private wealth firms supporting high-net-worth individuals and family businesses across generations.


Built for growth, grounded in relationships  


As an independent, privately owned firm, our expansion into Dubai reflects our long-term vision; to grow with purpose. Establishing a presence in the DIFC enables us to offer on-the-ground support, deepen relationships, and deliver tailored solutions for international clients. We’re also strengthening our ability to collaborate with private banks, legal advisors, and multi-family offices, delivering bespoke structuring through DIFC foundations and corporate solutions that support succession planning, wealth preservation, and legacy building.

Challenging the Narrative on Sustainability

Our values, which are inclusivity, authenticity, and sustainability, aren’t just guiding words, they shape how we think, plan, and operate. They’re embedded in our culture and serve as a lens through which we approach every decision. Staying true to these principles means engaging thoughtfully with the issues that matter most. One of those is sustainability, and it's one we want to delve into with care, to ensure we’re being both authentic in our thinking and aligned in our actions.


There’s a common misconception that the Middle East lags international standards when it comes to sustainability. It was incredibly important to us to address this thoughtfully as part of our business planning, and particularly in line with these values, which remain a constant and active part of our culture. As the first Jersey company to participate in the UN Global Compact and the only firm to achieve Silver Status with The Jersey Good Business Charter, we take our commitment to responsible business seriously.


In reality, Dubai, and the UAE more broadly, have made significant strides in aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It’s encouraging to see a growing regional commitment to long-term, responsible development, one that resonates with our approach and outlook. Of course, there’s still progress to be made, but that’s true of any jurisdiction, including Jersey. At Affinity, we aim to be a leading voice in promoting positive change where it’s needed most. What truly matters is intent, momentum, and the commitment to act, and in that respect, Dubai is clearly moving forward with purpose.


Dubai  has taken ambitious strides in areas such as:


• Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7): The UAE is home to one of the world’s largest solar parks and has committed to generating 50% of its energy from clean sources by 2050.


• Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9): The city continues to invest heavily in smart infrastructure, logistics, and digital transformation.


• Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11): From green building regulations to climate-resilient urban planning, Dubai is leading by example in many aspects of sustainable development.


• Climate Action (SDG 13): The UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategy and major investments in renewables reflect a clear commitment to environmental responsibility.


• Gender Equality (SDG 5): With the UAE Gender Balance Council and an increasing number of women in leadership roles, the region is actively promoting gender inclusion in both public and private sectors.


• Quality Education (SDG 4): Through initiatives led by the KHDA and partnerships with global institutions, Dubai continues to innovate in education and skills development.


• Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8): Dubai has created a highly dynamic business environment that supports entrepreneurship, SMEs, and foreign investment, all while pursuing labour market reforms aimed at inclusivity and resilience.

These efforts align closely with the kind of future we want to build, where wealth is not just preserved, but also deployed responsibly and for a sustainable future. While no jurisdiction is without its challenges, we believe that meaningful progress starts with honest dialogue and shared intent.


Our Commitment Moving Forward


As you can see, our Dubai office is more than a new location, it’s a strategic platform to drive our mission forward. We’re here to provide conflict-free, bespoke assistance through  a lens of purpose and responsibility, working alongside families to structure their futures with care and foresight.


We’ll continue to lead with the same values that have guided us from day one; sustainability, authenticity, and inclusion, and we’re excited to bring this approach to a region that is full of energy, ambition, and opportunity.


We look forward to the future. And we’re proud to call Dubai part of it.