Image credit: WAM
Dubai has officially cemented its place among the top four global FinTech hubs, according to the latest Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) released on September 25. The achievement marks a significant leap in Dubai’s journey toward becoming one of the world’s leading financial capitals, and underscores the strategic role of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) as a catalyst for innovation and growth in the region.
This prestigious recognition reaffirms Dubai’s leadership in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, elevating its profile on the global financial stage and reinforcing investor confidence in the city’s FinTech ecosystem, a WAM report said.
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Commenting on the GFCI announcement, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance, credited the emirate’s rise to the forward-looking vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
“Dubai’s rise as one of the world’s pre-eminent FinTech hubs is a testament to the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to shape the future of diverse sectors,” Sheikh Maktoum said.
He emphasised that this progress reflects the ambitious objectives outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to position the city among the top four global financial hubs. Sheikh Maktoum also highlighted the importance of trust from the global financial community, stating that Dubai’s robust infrastructure, business environment, and DIFC-led initiatives have created an optimal platform for financial growth.
“With our clear aspirations for the future, we continue to strengthen Dubai’s role as a force for innovation and a platform for opportunity,” he added.
FinTech, AI, and innovation ecosystem hits new milestones
Coinciding with the GFCI announcement, DIFC revealed new milestones that further solidify its standing as a regional innovation powerhouse. The Centre now hosts more than 1,500 AI, FinTech, and innovation-focused companies, making it the largest cluster of its kind in the region.
These firms have collectively attracted over $4.2bn in investment, showcasing the strength of DIFC’s ecosystem in supporting growth-stage technology firms and entrepreneurs. This makes DIFC not only a regional leader, but a globally competitive environment for forward-looking financial and tech enterprises.
Dubai climbs to 11th in overall global rankings
Beyond FinTech, Dubai also made a notable advancement in the overall GFCI rankings, climbing to 11th position globally. The city’s higher placement is a clear indicator of growing international confidence in Dubai’s comprehensive financial services framework.
This upward movement in global rankings aligns with the broader objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aimed at transforming Dubai into one of the top global financial centres across all sectors. The GFCI also identified Dubai as the only financial centre in the region to be recognized as a global leader with both broad and deep capabilities, a clear differentiator in an increasingly competitive international market.
Furthermore, Dubai was ranked number one globally among financial centres expected to become more significant in the future, indicating its fast-rising trajectory and strategic importance to the global financial system.
DIFC leadership reaffirms commitment to innovation
Reflecting on Dubai’s recognition, Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, pointed to the emirate’s long-standing commitment to shaping the future of finance.
“Through DIFC, we are enabling innovation, creating opportunities for growth, and ensuring Dubai continues to play a leading role in defining the future of the global economy,” Kazim said.
Adding to this, Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, emphasised the centre’s focus on fostering innovation, talent, and technology as core drivers of success.
“Dubai has become one of the world’s four most influential FinTech hubs because of DIFC’s unwavering focus,” Amiri noted. “This achievement demonstrates the confidence the global financial community has in Dubai’s role as a catalyst for growth.”
As Dubai continues to deepen its capabilities and expand its global influence, DIFC remains at the heart of its transformation, propelling the city toward its goal of becoming a future-ready financial capital.
