The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has announced its most successful first half-year on record, showcasing exceptional growth that reinforces Dubai’s position as a dominant force in global finance. This landmark performance provides a significant boost to the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
The momentum at the centre has been remarkable. A record 1,081 new companies were registered in the first six months of 2025, a substantial 32% increase over the same period last year. This influx has brought the total number of active companies in the DIFC to an impressive 7,700, marking a 25% year-on-year rise. This business boom has naturally fueled job creation, expanding the centre’s talented workforce by 9% to over 47,900 professionals.
This growth is widespread across the centre’s diverse ecosystem. The FinTech and innovation sector continues its rapid expansion, with the number of firms surging by 28% to 1,388. The DIFC is also strengthening its position as the region’s largest hub for wealth and asset management, now home to 440 firms, including over 85 hedge funds. The number of financial services firms regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) also climbed by a significant 17%, now totalling 980.
His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance of the UAE, and President of DIFC, highlighted the strategic importance of the results: “Dubai has entered a new and greater phase of growth, and these results highlight the competitiveness, attractiveness, and global confidence it enjoys.”
This success is underpinned by the DIFC’s strategic vision and commitment to fostering a world-class business environment.
Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, added, “DIFC remains the driving force behind Dubai’s economic growth, as a key enabler of the financial services sector’s expansion and diversification. Our consistent performance across all key sectors and rising global standing are evidence of our commitment to supporting innovation, attracting global capital, and reinforcing Dubai’s status as one of the world’s most competitive and diversified economies.”
With this record-breaking performance, the DIFC is not just meeting its targets; it is setting new benchmarks for financial centres worldwide and spearheading Dubai’s journey towards even greater economic prosperity.
