Key takeaways:
- International industry professionals have ranked Dubai #1 in the world for FinTech and #2 globally for Professional Services, while retaining its #1 global position for future potential.
- Dubai’s global reputation ranking advanced to #6 worldwide, demonstrating international market confidence.
- Dubai extends its number one position as the financial city expected to become more significant.
UAE, Dubai – Dubai has risen to become the world’s number one location for FinTech as ranked by industry professionals in the latest Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI). A testament to its resilience, the emirate retains its position as the only financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region within the global top ten.
In addition to its FinTech leadership driven by DIFC’s vision to drive the future of finance, Dubai climbed to second place globally for Professional Services. Reflecting the continued trust and confidence in the emirate and DIFC, Dubai’s global reputation ranking advanced to sixth. Dubai also maintained the number one spot for future potential, a category in which the emirate has now led for four consecutive GFCI reports.
The latest GFCI report, compiled by the London-based consultancy Z/Yen in collaboration with the China Development Institute, collected 39,531 assessments from industry professionals worldwide who responded to the GFCI online questionnaire. The index combines these assessments with 143 instrumental factors.
His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, said: “The GFCI results reinforce Dubai’s position as a world leading financial centres and underscore the success of the vision set by our leadership through the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. DIFC has played a pivotal role in advancing Dubai’s global competitiveness by attracting leading financial institutions, talent and innovation from around the world, while providing the regulatory, legal and business environment required for sustainable growth. As Dubai strengthens its position at the heart of the global financial system, DIFC will continue to support the emirate’s ambitions and reinforce its standing among the world’s most influential financial centres.”
His Excellency Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, said: “Dubai’s position in the GFCI is underpinned by the strength and scale of DIFC, and validated by the assessments of financial services professionals worldwide. As the largest ecosystem of regulated financial firms in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, and the only financial centre in the region operating at scale across banking, capital markets, wealth and asset management, insurance and FinTech, DIFC provides a unique platform for innovation, growth and collaboration. This depth and diversity enable us to continue developing the financial services industry, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies and helping shape the future of the global financial landscape.”
About Dubai International Financial Centre
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the world’s most advanced financial centre, shaping the global financial landscape and cementing Dubai’s reputation as a leading business destination across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA).
As the region’s only financial centre operating at scale across all sectors, DIFC is home to 10,018 active firms. These include 1,134 regulated firms, among them are 327 banks and capital markets firms, 71 brokerage entities, 165 insurance and (re)insurance companies and 592 Wealth and Asset Management firms (including over 100 hedge fund managers). Home to 1,933 AI, FinTech and innovation firms, DIFC sets the benchmark for financial innovation and is a top five ranked FinTech hub across the world.
Underpinned by a trusted, world-class legal and regulatory framework, including the region’s most utilised commercial courts, DIFC ensures efficient governance and reinforces Dubai’s leadership in the digital economy. Connecting 50,200 professionals, it offers the region’s deepest pool of financial talent, serving as the gateway to MEASA for all financial players.
Beyond business, DIFC provides the complete urban experience with world-class lifestyle amenities, establishing it as a highly sought-after destination. The 17.7mn sq. ft. DIFC Zabeel District expansion which provides capacity for over 42,000 companies and a workforce of more than 125,000, DIFC is solidifying Dubai’s position as a top four global financial centre. The new District will also include premium Grade A commercial office space, over 1mn sq.ft. allocated to future technologies including the world’s largest Innovation Hub and world’s first purpose-built AI Campus, an expanded academy, residential buildings, hotels, a conference centre, and a range of retail, dining, and cultural offerings, including the Museum of Digital Art, the region’s first museum dedicated to digital art and new technologies.
Anchored in integrity, DIFC is the platform for success, driving the future of finance.
For further information, please visit our website: difc.com, or follow us on LinkedIn and X @DIFC.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Rasha Mezher | Dubai International Financial Centre Authority
Manager, Marketing & Corporate Communications
rasha.mezher@difc.ae
