Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial center in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), declared its best-ever performance for the first half of a year, reinforcing its vital role in driving the future of finance, and contributing to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
Indicators of Growth
During the first 6 months of 2025, DIFC witnessed a record number of new firms establishing operations in the financial centre raising the total number of active registered companies to 7,700, from 6,153 in H1 2024, exhibiting a 25% year-on-year increase, while 1,081 new active registered companies joined DIFC between January and June 2025 showcasing a 32% increase on the same period in 2024. In addition, the number of professionals working in DIFC rose to 47,901, marking a significant 9% increase from 43,787 a year earlier.
Globally Ranked Financial Services
Driven by DIFC's strategic initiatives and unmatched scale in the region across all sectors, Dubai is currently the sole centre in the MEASA region to be listed among the top ranked financial cities globally in several sectors according to Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI):
- FinTech (5th)
- Professional Services (6th)
- Investment Management (8th)
- Infrastructure (9th)
- Business Environment (10th)
H.E. Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC said: “DIFC remains the driving force behind Dubai's economic growth, as a key enabler of the financial services sector's expansion and diversification. Our consistent performance across all key sectors and rising global standing are evidence of our commitment to supporting innovation, attracting global capital, and reinforcing Dubai's status as one of the world's most competitive and diversified economies.”
DIFC maintains its role as the region's largest regulated financial services ecosystem with a total of 980 entities now regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), the independent regulator for business undertaken from or within DIFC, experiencing a year-on-year increase of 17% from 2024. Additionally, Total Financial services authorizations grew 28%, reaching 78 in H1 2025 compared to 61 in H1 2024.
- Banking & Capital Markets
A total of 289 companies now operate in this sector, up from 247 a year ago, showcasing a substantial 17% growth rate. DIFC's banking and capital markets cluster is unrivalled in the region, with growth aligning with the requirements to support the region's economic development aspirations.
- Wealth & Asset Management
Dubai is home to the highest concentration of private wealth in any Middle Eastern city, which has contributed to the growth in DIFC's wealth and asset management cluster. The number of firms in the sector rose to 440, up from 370 in H1 2024, growing 19% year-on-year. The Financial Centre is now home to more than 85 hedge funds, soaring 72% over the last 12 months and includes 69 billion-dollar funds. Over 10,000 funds are being managed or marketed from DIFC.
- Family Businesses
DIFC's approach in supporting family businesses involve facilitating access to alternative investments through its wealth and asset management clients, and offering structures that enable growth, reinforcing its position as the preferred financial center. The number of family business-related entities operating in DIFC has risen to 1,035, up from 600 a year ago, marking a sizeable 73% increase. As for the foundations in DIFC, its numbers have surged to 842, up from 548 in H1 2024, a 54% year-on-year increase.
- Insurance & Reinsurance
The insurance and reinsurance sector has experienced substantial growth, with 135 related firms now operating in the centre, exhibiting an 8% increase from 125 in H1 2024. During the first six months of 2025, it was announced that Gross Written Premiums (GWP) reached USD 3.5bn for 2024, compared to USD 2.6bn a year earlier marking a significant 35% increase.
Role in AI, FinTech and Innovation
- Growth & Statistics
DIFC's innovation ecosystem continued to attract a growing number of technology-led firms. The number of FinTech and Innovation companies rose to 1,388 from 1,081 in H1 2024, a surge of 28% reinforcing Dubai's position as one of the world's top five hubs for FinTech in the latest Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI). During H1 2025, this contributed to an overall 28% growth in total active non-financial entities, increasing to 6,335 from 4,935 a year earlier.
- Developments in Fintech & AI
Several initiatives were taken during the first half of the year including; the Dubai AI Festival and Dubai FinTech Summit, collectively attracting over 20,000 participants from 120+ countries. During which, in support of the DIFC's innovation agenda, Dubai Future Finance Week was announced along with the launch of Dubai AI Academy. The Future Finance Week being held in May 2026, will bring together six major events, including the FinTech Summit, Future Sustainability Forum, and the Dubai Future District Fund AGM.
- Innovation Sector
In terms of advancements in this sector, Ignyte, a key initiative under the Dubai Digital Economy Strategy, launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Higher Committee for Future Technology and Digital Economy, was designed to drive exponential growth of start-ups across industries, targeting 100,000 founders, start-ups, and investors and has already incurred benefits exceeding AED 182 million. This initiative strengthens Dubai's position as a global epicentre for entrepreneurship, with the platform connecting founders with a global network of investors, mentors, corporate organizations, and government entities, creating a comprehensive ecosystem flooding with opportunities and growth.
Academic Opportunities
In supporting the objectives of Dubai's Education Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the DIFC Academy has become a leading choice for world-class universities. Amongst DIFC's partners, renowned universities including American University of Cairo, ESCP Business School, ESSEC Business School, Georgetown University, London Business School, Pantheon Assas University and SKEMA Business School offer 12 master's degree programs.
A total of 46,103 learners have completed programs at the DIFC Academy since inception, including 4,947 during H1 2025, the highest number ever recorded in a six-month period.
Legislation, Regulation & Governance
DIFC's legal and regulatory frameworks continues to avance in line with global developments. Its legal system is built on tailored, world-class legislation developed from leading international standards and practices, designed to serve the unique requirements of a global financial hub. This is further reinforced by a strong DIFC common law system, positioning DIFC as the jurisdiction of choice for businesses across the region and globally.
A milestone emphasizing Dubai's growing influence in global governance; DIFC selected to host the upcoming Global Privacy Assembly 2026, the premier global forum for data protection and privacy authorities.
Leadership Outlook
His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, and President of DIFC said, “The unprecedented results that DIFC continues to achieve across all fronts are a direct reflection of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai - a vision focused on positioning Dubai at the forefront of the world's most advanced financial centres. Dubai has entered a new and greater phase of growth, and these results highlight the competitiveness, attractiveness, and global confidence it enjoys. We firmly believe the future holds even more opportunities, and we will continue to strengthen DIFC's capabilities and its ecosystems that foster innovation, agility, and business growth.”
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. The information provided has been compiled from publicly available sources, and while we have made every effort to ensure its accuracy and relevance at the time of publication, we do not guarantee its completeness or applicability to specific situations. Readers are encouraged to seek independent professional advice before making any decisions based on the content herein.
