Improved Performance in DIFC Marks First Half Record
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Experiences Significant Growth in H1 2025
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has witnessed remarkable growth in the first half of 2025, with a 25% year-on-year increase in the number of active registered companies, bringing the total to 7,700.
This surge is attributed to a significant increase in new company registrations, with 1,081 new entities joining DIFC between January and June 2025, marking a 32% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
The fintech sector has seen notable growth, supported by accelerator programs and digital transformation policies, making DIFC a regional leader in financial technology innovation. The number of FinTech and Innovation companies in DIFC reached 1,388, a surge of 28% compared to H1 2024.
The wealth and asset management sector has also expanded, with the number of firms in this sector increasing to 440, up from 370 in H1 2024, growing 19% year-on-year.
New entrants to DIFC's expanding client base during H1 2025 include ABK Capital, Avaloq, Baron Capital, Bluecrest Capital, Bridge Investment Group, Cambridge Associates, China International Capital Corporation, dLocal, Manulife, National Bank of Kuwait, Pearl Diver Capital, PIMCO, RV Capital, Silver Point Capital, Tourmaline, TransAmerica Life Bermuda, Welwing Capital Management, and many others.
The Dubai AI Festival and Dubai FinTech Summit collectively attracted over 20,000 participants from 120+ countries, further boosting DIFC's profile as an innovation hub.
DIFC has also focused on sustainable finance, launching the '1 Million Learners' initiative to equip one million individuals with sustainability knowledge by 2030. The DIFC Academy, a preferred choice for world-class universities, offers 12 masters degree programmes in partnership with renowned universities.
The growth in FinTech and Innovation companies has contributed to an overall 28% growth in total active non-financial entities, increasing to 6,335. DIFC is one of the world's top five hubs for FinTech, according to the Global Financial Centres Index.
Total Financial services authorisations grew 28% year-on-year, reaching 78 in H1 2025 compared to 61 in H1 2024. The insurance and reinsurance sector in DIFC experienced a 35% increase in gross written premiums, reaching USD 3.5bn for 2024 compared to USD 2.6bn a year earlier.
DIFC proposed to enact new Variable Capital Company Regulations to enhance investment structuring and asset management options for proprietary investment in DIFC. The centre is also the sole centre in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia to be listed among the top GFCI ranked financial cities globally in several sectors.
Dubai is one of only eight cities globally to possess 'broad and deep' capabilities across all parts of the finance industry. These combined factors highlight DIFC's role in diversifying Dubai’s economy and reinforcing its global financial competitiveness.
Through 32 active partners, 46,103 learners have completed programmes at the DIFC Academy since inception, including 4,947 during H1 2025. The Dubai AI Academy was launched during these events, and Dubai Future Finance Week was announced to be held in May 2026. Ignyte, a growth platform targeting 100,000 subscribers, has already redeemed benefits exceeding AED 182mn.
The launch and rapid sellout of real estate projects like DIFC Heights and over 1.6 million sq. feet of new commercial space under development reflect rising demand for infrastructure in DIFC. These developments, along with the centre's commitment to sustainability and education, position DIFC as a leading financial hub in the region and beyond.
- The fintech sector, a key contributor to DIFC's growth, has seen a surge of 28% in the first half of 2025, with 1,388 FinTech and Innovation companies now registered, making DIFC a regional leader in financial technology innovation.
- In addition to fintech, the wealth and asset management sector has expanded by 19% year-on-year, with 440 firms now operating in this sector within DIFC.
- The growth in these sectors has led to an overall increase of 28% in total active non-financial entities, with 6,335 active non-financial entities now registered.
- DIFC has also shown commitment to sustainability, launching the '1 Million Learners' initiative to equip one million individuals with sustainability knowledge by 2030, and offering 12 masters degree programs through the DIFC Academy in partnership with renowned universities.
