#United Arab Emirates #Dubai #Financial Services #DIFC

DIFC's H1 2025 Performance Report

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has recently unveiled remarkable results for the first semester of 2025. These findings underline the Centre's crucial role in supporting Dubai's ambitious economic vision known as D33. The DIFC, recognized as the foremost financial hub in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA), has exhibited substantial growth across various sectors, proving its relevance in an evolving global landscape.

In the first six months of 2025, DIFC welcomed a record-breaking 1,081 new active companies, bringing the total number of registered firms within its jurisdiction to 7,700. This increase signifies not only the Centre’s attractiveness to local and international businesses but also showcases its ongoing commitment to expanding its professional workforce, which currently consists of 47,901 individuals working at DIFC.

The Financial Services Licensing Authority at DIFC has also experienced a notable year-on-year growth rate of 28%, issuing a total of 78 financial service licenses in the first half of 2025, compared to 61 during the same period in 2024. DIFC’s banking and capital markets segment now hosts 289 firms, reflecting a rise from 247 last year, while the wealth and asset management sector has escalated to 440 companies, increasing from 370 within the same timeframe, marking a growth of 19%.

Among the multitude of firms now operating under DIFC’s umbrella, 85 hedge funds have emerged, with 69 boasting assets exceeding one billion dollars. Furthermore, more than 10,000 investment funds are either managed or marketed from DIFC, emphasizing its strategic importance in the global finance arena. This is complemented by the rise in family-owned businesses, with 1,035 entities currently utilizing DIFC’s services, a significant increase from 600 a year prior. Likewise, the number of foundations has surged, reaching 842 from 548 in the previous year.

Insurance is another vital aspect of DIFC’s framework, with 135 insurance-related companies operating from the Centre. The gross premiums issued have escalated to 3.5 billion dollars for 2024, significantly up from 2.6 billion dollars in 2023. Moreover, the fintech sector within DIFC is thriving, currently home to 1,388 innovative companies, marking a 28% increase from the 1,081 recorded in the first half of 2024.

In total, the number of non-financial entities has risen to 6,335, an increase from 4,935 compared to the previous year. Essa Kazim, the Governor of DIFC, highlighted that DIFC acts as a driving force for Dubai’s economic growth, playing an instrumental role in the development and diversification of the financial services sector. He emphasized how DIFC's consistent performance across various sectors enhances its global standing, promoting innovation and attracting global capital to strengthen Dubai's position as one of the world’s most competitive and diversified economies.

According to the Global Financial Centres Index, Dubai ranks among eight cities worldwide demonstrating ‘extensive and deep’ capabilities across all areas of the financial sector, standing alongside established hubs like London, New York, and Paris.

In a bid to meet the growing demands of businesses, DIFC is currently developing over 1.6 million square feet of commercial space, with construction efforts ramping up to ensure readiness for occupancy in the first quarter of 2026. This expansion is a testament to DIFC's proactive approach in addressing the evolving needs of its clients and the broader economic landscape.

As DIFC continues to thrive and evolve, its contributions are paving the way for a dynamic and innovative future within Dubai’s financial sector, reflecting the broader ambitions set out in the economic vision D33.