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The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) recorded its strongest ever first-half performance in 2025, registering 1,081 new active companies, a 32% increase from the same period last year. This brings the total number of active firms to 7,700, up from 6,153 in H1 2024.
Growth in Workforce and Financial Licensing
- The DIFC workforce grew to 47,901 professionals, up 9% year-on-year.
- The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) now oversees 980 regulated entities, showing 17% growth.
- 78 new financial service licenses were issued, up from 61 last year—a 28% increase.
Sector Highlights
Financial Services
- Banking and capital markets reached 289 firms, up 17%.
- Wealth and asset managers rose to 440, a 19% increase.
- The number of hedge funds grew by 72% to 85, with 69 managing over $1 billion.
- Over 10,000 funds are now managed or marketed from the DIFC.
Innovation and Non-Financial Firms
- FinTech, AI, and innovation-driven firms reached 1,388, growing 28%.
- Non-financial entities increased to 6,335, also up 28%.
- Family businesses registered at DIFC grew to 1,035, a 73% rise.
- Foundations grew to 842, up 54%.
Insurance and Real Estate
- Insurance and reinsurance firms grew 8% to 135, with gross premiums reaching $3.5 billion, up from $2.6 billion.
- Over 1.6 million sq. ft. of new commercial space is under development, with DIFC Heights selling out in just three days.
Leadership Remarks
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister and DIFC President, said these results reflect global confidence in Dubai’s economy.
Essa Kazim, DIFC Governor, highlighted DIFC’s role in boosting Dubai’s economic strength and global status.
Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, stated that DIFC has exceeded expectations and is shaping the future of finance from Dubai.
Global Recognition
DIFC is now ranked among the top eight financial hubs globally, alongside cities like London and New York, and is the largest regulated financial ecosystem in the MEASA region.
