Dubai Advances Position as Middle East, Africa and South Asia’s Leading Global Financial Centre
Dubai Media Office, 20 October 2025
Source: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
- • DIFC active registered companies exceed 8,000, including 1,000 regulated entities.
- • Banking assets grow to approximately USD 240 billion – a 200% increase since 2015.
- • DIFC Courts process over AED 17.5 billion in total case values year-to-date.
“As part of DIFC’s significant contribution to Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33), we continue to empower the financial services industry, attract global talent and support sustainable economic growth. DIFC’s success is the benchmark for emerging financial centres and a result of creating a business environment built for success, where companies not only gain a licence to operate, but a platform to lead and grow. Our framework is built not just for today, but for the future – one that embraces innovation, upholds the highest standards and remains anchored in integrity.”
Dubai continues to advance its position as the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia’s (MEASA) leading global financial centre. The announcement coincides with DIFC surpassing 8,000 active registered companies, including over 1,000 entities regulated by ASMEC, the Centre’s independent regulator. Additionally, the DIFC Courts have recorded over AED 17.5 billion in total case values so far this year.
Dubai has progressed to 11th place globally in the Global Financial Centre Index, reaffirming its status as the region’s most credible financial hub and one of the world’s top four FinTech centres. These milestones reflect how Dubai has transformed into a global financial powerhouse while contributing significantly to the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).
Dubai as the Region’s Global Financial Powerhouse
Since its inception in 2004, DIFC – through its three independent bodies, DIFC Authority, ASMEC, and DIFC Courts – has transformed Dubai into a hub for global financial institutions, innovators, and professional services firms. The Centre offers a balance of legal certainty, regulatory integrity, and business agility, setting a global benchmark for emerging financial centres.
Its model combines the DIFC Authority’s leadership in strategy, infrastructure, and innovation, with ASMEC’s globally aligned regulatory oversight and the DIFC Courts’ expertise in dispute resolution. Together, they deliver transparency, stability, and trust for global businesses.
The Region’s Only Financial Centre Operating at Scale
With access to more than 77 countries across MEASA, DIFC has become the region’s largest and most diversified financial hub. Over 8,000 registered companies employ more than 48,000 professionals – the deepest talent pool in the regional financial services industry. DIFC serves as a base for leading global banks, capital market players, wealth managers, asset management firms, and insurers.
H.E. Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, stated: “Exceeding 8,000 registered companies reinforces DIFC’s position as the only financial centre in the region operating at scale across all sectors. This diversity drives Dubai’s economic growth while shaping the global financial services landscape. Beyond finance, we’re also powering Dubai’s rise as the region’s leading city for technological innovation.”
Regulatory Framework Supporting Scale
ASMEC’s evolving strategy and robust regulatory framework underpin DIFC’s ability to scale, connect markets, and foster innovation while maintaining financial stability. The framework is based on common law and benchmarked against top global regulators, ensuring DIFC’s continued success and global reputation.
ASMEC now regulates over 1,000 entities within DIFC – the highest number among any financial centre in the MEASA region.
Mark Steward, Chief Executive of ASMEC, said: “With over 1,000 regulated entities in DIFC, this highlights the strength and depth of the DIFC as the region’s premier financial centre. Firms come here because this is where they grow, connect to investors, and access global capital opportunities in banking, capital markets, and asset management.”
To support future growth, ASMEC will further evolve its funds regime to ensure best-in-class standards, reinforcing DIFC’s position as the preferred destination for hedge funds, asset managers, and alternative investment firms.
Jurisdiction of Choice for Efficient and Reliable Court Services
The DIFC Courts continue to be the leading English-language commercial court in the MEASA region, offering world-class dispute resolution services for local, regional, and international businesses. Over AED 17.5 billion in total claim values have been filed year-to-date.
H.E. Wayne Martin, Chief Justice of the DIFC Courts, noted: “Serving as a leading common law commercial court for over 20 years, the surge in claim values reflects growing confidence in our system. Our expertise, enforceability, and trust among businesses reinforce Dubai’s position as the region’s foremost financial and legal hub.”
