Dubai has reinforced its status as the Middle East, Africa and South Asia’s top financial hub, with the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) surpassing 8,000 active registered companies and advancing to 11th place globally in the Global Financial Centre Index.
The milestone highlights Dubai’s growing influence as a global financial powerhouse, supported by over 1,000 entities regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and AED 17.5 billion in total case values recorded by the DIFC Courts this year. Together, these achievements underscore the city’s role in driving the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and shaping the region’s financial landscape.
H.E. Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, said the centre’s success reflects its ability to empower the financial services industry while fostering innovation and integrity.
“Our framework is built not just for today, but for the future – one that embraces innovation and supports sustainable economic growth,”
he said.
Since its establishment in 2004, DIFC has become home to 48,000 professionals and 289 licensed banks and capital markets firms, including 27 of the world’s 29 systemically important banks, managing around USD 240 billion in assets.
The DFSA continues to expand its regulatory framework to support innovation and cross-market connectivity, solidifying DIFC’s position as the region’s largest and most diversified financial hub. Meanwhile, the DIFC Courts remain a trusted jurisdiction for resolving high-value disputes, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation for transparency, stability, and legal reliability.
With its continued growth, Dubai is not only strengthening its financial ecosystem but also cementing its standing as one of the world’s most dynamic centres for finance and innovation.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
