DIFC's Mid-Year Performance Drives Dubai Economic Vision
-DIFC's mid-year performance drives Dubai economic vision (D33), showcasing global leadership in financial services and innovation sectors-
July 29, 2025, Dubai, UAE / PR Newswire / -- The Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region's leading global financial centre - Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) - has announced its strongest-ever mid-year performance, further solidifying its key role in driving the growth of the financial industry and supporting Dubai economic vision (D33).
HE Essa Kazim Governor of DIFC
In the first half of 2025, DIFC added a record-breaking 1,081 new registered companies, bringing the total number to 7,700. Currently, DIFC has 47,901 professionals working in the centre.
The number of authorized financial services grew by 28% compared to the same period last year, reaching 78. The banking and capital markets cluster now consists of 289 companies, up from 247 last year. The number of wealth and asset management companies increased by 19% to 440, with a total of 85 hedge funds, including one with assets under management of $690 billion. Over 10,000 funds are currently managed or marketed through DIFC.
In addition, the centre now has 1,035 family business-related entities operating in the area, up from 600 last year. The number of foundation numbers increased to 842, compared to 548 in the first half of 2024.
The insurance sector has seen significant growth, with 135 registered companies operating in the centre, and a total premium income of $35 billion, up from $26 billion last year.
The number of fintech and innovation companies reached 1,388, up by 28% compared to the same period last year.
The number of non-financial entities operating in the centre grew from 4,935 to 6,335.
DIFC Governor Essa Kazim stated: "DIFC has always been the driving force behind Dubai's economic growth and is a key catalyst for the expansion and diversification of the financial services sector. Our outstanding performance across various industries continues to boost our global reputation, further solidifying our commitment to supporting innovation, attracting global capital, and cementing Dubai's position as one of the most competitive and diversified economies in the world."
Dubai is also one of only eight cities globally that has a strong presence in all financial services sectors, according to the Global Financial Centres Index.
Over 1.6 million square feet of commercial space are currently under development and construction, with an accelerated pace to meet growing demands. The new commercial spaces will be available for occupancy starting from the first quarter of 2026.
DIFC