Dubai: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, today announced its best-ever performance for the first half of a year, reinforcing its pivotal role in driving the future of finance and contributing to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. In the first six months of 2025, DIFC saw a record number of new firms establishing operations in the centre, bringing the total number of active registered companies to 7,700, up from 6,153 in H1 2024 - a 25 percent year-on-year increase. Additionally, 1,081 new active registered companies joined DIFC between January and June 2025, a 32 percent increase on the same period in 2024. The number of professionals working in DIFC rose to 47,901, marking a 9 percent increase from 43,787 a year earlier.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and President of DIFC, highlighted that the unprecedented results achieved by DIFC are a reflection of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This vision focuses on positioning Dubai at the forefront of the world's financial centres. Dubai's growth highlights its competitiveness, attractiveness, and global confidence. Sheikh Maktoum emphasized the opportunities ahead and the continuous strengthening of DIFC's capabilities.
DIFC's strategic initiatives have positioned Dubai as one of eight cities globally with broad and deep financial capabilities, as recognized by the Global Financial Centres Index. Dubai stands alongside cities like London, New York, and Paris. It is the only centre in the MEASA region listed among the top GFCI ranked financial cities globally in several sectors including FinTech, professional services, and investment management.
DIFC has solidified its position as the region's largest regulated financial services ecosystem. The number of entities regulated by the DFSA rose by 17 percent year-on-year. Total Financial services authorisations grew 28 percent year-on-year. The banking and capital markets cluster saw 17 percent growth, driven by demand for broad financial services capabilities.
The centre's wealth and asset management cluster is the largest in the region, supported by Dubai's concentration of private wealth. The number of firms in this sector increased by 19 percent year-on-year. DIFC is home to over 85 hedge funds, including 69 billion-dollar funds. More than 10,000 funds are managed or marketed from DIFC.
Family businesses have increasingly chosen DIFC as their preferred location, with the number of associated entities rising by 73 percent. The number of foundations accelerated by 54 percent. The insurance and reinsurance sector experienced 8 percent growth.
During H1 2025, Gross written premiums reached US$3.5 billion, a 35 percent increase from the previous year. New entrants to DIFC's client base include ABK Capital, Avaloq, Baron Capital, and many others.
Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, and Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, emphasized DIFC's role as a key enabler of Dubai's economic growth and financial services sector expansion. DIFC's innovation ecosystem attracted more technology-led firms, with FinTech and Innovation companies increasing by 28 percent, securing Dubai's position as a top hub for FinTech.
DIFC's flagship events, including the Dubai AI Festival and Dubai FinTech Summit, collectively attracted over 20,000 participants. The centre launched the Dubai AI Academy and announced Dubai Future Finance Week for May 2026.
The DIFC Academy has become a preferred choice for world-class universities, offering 12 masters degree programmes. The '1 Million Learners' initiative aims to equip individuals with sustainability knowledge by 2030. DIFC's legal and regulatory frameworks continue to evolve, with proposed regulations enhancing investment structuring and ensuring alignment with international standards.
DIFC was selected to host the Global Privacy Assembly 2026, underscoring Dubai's influence in global governance. The centre's real estate portfolio supports urban development, with strong demand for premium living in the financial district. Over 1.6 million square feet of commercial space is under development to meet demand.
