Dubai, UAE – The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has reported strong growth in company registrations, with new active registered companies increasing by 30% over the 12 months ending June 2026, reinforcing Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading financial hubs despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.
According to DIFC, a total of 2,318 new active registered companies joined the financial centre during the past 12 months. The momentum accelerated in the first half of 2026, with 1,506 new companies registering, representing a 39% year-on-year increase.
The latest additions have pushed the total number of active registered companies operating in DIFC beyond 10,000, marking another significant milestone for the financial district.
DIFC also recorded robust expansion across its financial services ecosystem. The number of regulated financial services firms increased 16% year-on-year to 1,134, while wealth and asset management firms grew 35% to 592. Meanwhile, banking and capital markets firms rose 13% to 327.
Commenting on the performance, Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, said:
“We are seeing strong momentum across every major segment of the financial services industry, supported by increasing client expansion, innovation activity and investment flows.”
Several prominent international firms established operations in DIFC during the first half of 2026, including Allianz Trade Middle East, Arrowpoint Investment Partners, and the Bank of Canada.
The continued influx of global financial institutions highlights the growing attractiveness of Dubai as a regional and international financial centre. The growth comes as Gulf economies continue to diversify beyond oil by strengthening financial services, technology, and innovation sectors.
Additionally, Blackstone, the world’s largest alternative asset manager, is reportedly preparing to establish an office in DIFC, further reinforcing confidence in Dubai’s expanding financial ecosystem.
