Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has reported its strongest first-quarter performance to date, with 775 companies establishing a regional presence in the first three months of 2026 — a 62% jump compared to the same period last year.
The surge reflects growing international confidence in Dubai as a financial hub, even as global markets navigate ongoing uncertainty. March alone saw 258 new company registrations, up 59% from 162 in March 2025.
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of DIFC, credited the results to Dubai's proactive economic model, saying the performance reflects the Emirate's ability to turn global challenges into growth opportunities. He reaffirmed DIFC's alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which targets a place among the world's top four financial centres by 2033.
Among the firms choosing DIFC in Q1 were Janus Henderson Investors, National Bank of Canada, Arrowpoint Investment Partners and Ryan Specialty, further diversifying the centre's ecosystem across financial services, wealth management and capital markets.
Financial services authorisations rose 21% year-on-year, while family wealth activity posted remarkable growth — 158 foundations were registered in Q1 2026, more than double the figure from the same period last year, representing 108% growth.
On the infrastructure front, DIFC completed DIFC Square ahead of schedule at full occupancy. The centre is set to add 1.6 million square feet of commercial space through 2027, including Innovation Two, DIFC Living and Immersive Tower. Its Zabeel District expansion will also feature the world's largest innovation hub and the world's first purpose-built AI Campus.
DIFC Authority CEO Arif Amiri described the Q1 results as a reflection of the platform's strength, noting that each new entrant reinforces Dubai's role as the region's gateway to opportunity.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
