Dubai’s financial centre has added 1,081 new companies in the first half of 2025, bringing the total active registry to 7,700, a 25% rise year‑on‑year. Hedge funds based in the centre rose by 72% to 85 entities, while wealth and asset managers climbed 19% to 440 firms. The fintech and innovation cohort has reached 1,388 companies, representing a 28% increase since H1 2024.
Employment within DIFC increased to 47,901 professionals, up 9% from 43,787 in H1 2024. The Dubai Financial Services Authority now regulates 980 entities and has issued 78 new financial services authorisations in H1 2025, representing a 17% increase and a 28% increase, respectively.
According to global rankings, Dubai is one of only eight cities with broad and deep finance capabilities in the Global Financial Centres Index. DIFC ranks in the top 10 globally across fintech (5th), professional services (6th), investment management (8th), infrastructure (9th) and business environment (10th).
Assets under management in DIFC have risen to $700 billion, a 58% jump from the previous year, with over 10,000 funds being managed or marketed from the centre.
Governors and senior executives said the performance reflects the region-leading ecosystem established under Dubai’s economic agenda. The growth has been fuelled by sovereign capital inflows, regulatory stability and demand from high-net-worth individuals relocating to the UAE.
The surge in hedge fund registrations, including global names such as RV Capital and Silver Point, supports DIFC’s position among emerging international hedge fund hubs. Analysts note that while infrastructure and bureaucracy challenges persist, the momentum reflects investor confidence in Dubai’s strategic direction.
