DUBAI, 15 October 2025 – CME Group opened a new office today in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), UAE. This marks its first physical expansion into the Middle East.
The Chicago-based derivatives marketplace will operate in Dubai under a DFSA license.
“Surging institutional and retail participation in financial markets has fueled demand for broader trading access in the Middle East,” said Julie Winkler, Chief Commercial Officer of CME Group.
“Building on years of collaboration with regulators and brokers in the region, our new office will accelerate our ability to help clients manage risk and pursue opportunities in some of the world’s most important benchmark products.”
Sharif Jaghman will lead the Dubai Office as Head of Middle East and Africa. He carries nearly two decades of experience in financial services and was previously attached with CME Group in London. He has also held senior roles at the New York Stock Exchange and Euronext.
DIFC is a leading global financial centre regulated by the DFSA. It is home to thousands of financial services companies and helps businesses access opportunities across Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
“We are delighted to welcome CME Group to DIFC, strengthening a relationship we have built over many years. Their presence in the Centre is a testament to Dubai’s strategic role as a global financial hub and underscores the growing opportunities in the region,” expressed Salmaan Jaffery, Chief Business Development Officer of DIFC Authority.
As a purpose-built financial free zone, DIFC provides streamlined business set-up services, world-class facilities, and office solutions.
CME Group offers listed futures, options, and cash markets across asset classes including and not limited to interest rates, foreign exchange, equities, metals, and cryptocurrency products.
