#Dubai #UAE #Dubai International Financial Centre #DIFC #Essa Kazim

DIFC's Exceptional Growth in H1 2025

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has reported an outstanding performance for the first half of 2025, signifying a substantial step forward in its commitment to elevate Dubai’s economic landscape under the D33 Agenda. With a record number of active registered businesses and a remarkable growth in financial services, the DIFC is solidifying its position as a preeminent financial hub in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA).

During this period, DIFC welcomed 1,081 new firms, pushing the total number of active registered firms to an impressive 7,700. This surge is complemented by the fact that 47,901 professionals are now working within the center, showcasing the rising demand for financial services and innovation. This year, there has been a notable 28% year-on-year increase in the total authorizations for financial services, with numbers rising from 61 in H1 2024 to 78 in H1 2025.

The DIFC's banking and capital markets segment has also seen growth, housing 289 companies, up from 247 the previous year. Meanwhile, the asset management and wealth management sectors have flourished, with a total of 440 firms, growing from 370 last year. Within that bracket, there are 85 hedge funds, including 69 billion-dollar funds, highlighting the center's ability to attract significant investments.

In addition, the number of family business-related entities has jumped to 1,035 from 600, while the foundations registered at DIFC have increased to 842, up from 548 in the same period last year. The insurance sector is also thriving, with 135 companies operating within DIFC and gross premiums reaching $3.5 billion in 2024, compared to $2.6 billion in the previous year.

The fintech landscape reflects a promising trajectory, with 1,388 active fintech firms, registering a 28% increase from 1,081 at the same time last year. The growth extends beyond the financial sector, with a total of non-financial active entities now standing at 6,335, compared to 4,935 in the prior year.

Essa Kazim, the Governor of DIFC, remarked, “DIFC continues to thrive as an economic growth engine for Dubai, playing a crucial role in the expansion and diversification of the financial services sector. Our consistent performance across various sectors and our increasing international stature bolster our commitment to support innovation, attract global capital, and cement Dubai's position as one of the world’s most competitive and diversified economies.”

The Global Financial Centres Index corroborates Dubai's status as one of the top eight cities worldwide with extensive capabilities across the entire financial industry, alongside renowned centers such as London, New York, and Paris. Furthermore, construction is actively underway for over 1.6 million square feet of commercial space, scheduled to ready in the first quarter of 2026, responding to strong demand in the financial sector.

Overall, DIFC's solid first-half performance not only reaffirms its pivotal role in the financial landscape but also strengthens Dubai’s ambition as a leading global economic center.