Dubai pushes to become top four global financial centre as DIFC expands

Dubai has strengthened its position as one of the world’s fastest-rising financial capitals, with Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum chairing a meeting of the DIFC Higher Board of Directors to review significant progress across the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

The session highlighted major achievements that reinforce Dubai’s ambition under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) to become one of the top four global financial centres by 2033.

Held at Sheikh Maktoum’s Office in Dubai, the meeting examined the performance of the DIFC Authority, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and the DIFC Courts, all of which continue to play critical roles in advancing Dubai’s financial ecosystem.

DIFC growth

Sheikh Maktoum commended the DIFC team for their work in aligning with the D33 Agenda and highlighted the foundational role of Dubai’s legislative ecosystem, advanced technology capabilities and robust financial infrastructure.

These strengths, he said, reflect the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to position the emirate as a global economic capital.

He said: “Today, DIFC stands as a cornerstone of Dubai’s ambition to become one of the world’s top four financial centres by 2033. DIFC has been pivotal in enhancing the emirate’s competitiveness, propelling its ranking in the Global Financial Centres Index to 11th overall and top four globally for FinTech.

“This reflects Dubai’s unwavering commitment to fostering an innovative, investment-friendly financial ecosystem, solidifying its leadership and its growing role in shaping the future of global finance.”

Dubai finance strategy

Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, said: “DIFC continues to play a critical role in realising Dubai’s ambitions as one of the world’s preeminent financial powerhouses. Our unique ecosystem, forward-looking legal and regulatory framework, and unrivalled access to regional growth opportunities continue to attract financial institutions and innovators to Dubai at an unprecedented scale.

“As we accelerate delivery of our 2030 Strategy to elevate our contribution to the D33 Agenda, DIFC remains committed to deepening its contribution to Dubai’s economy and enhancing the city’s influence in the global financial landscape.”

The DIFC Authority provided updates on progress toward the 2030 Strategy, including expansion of the Centre’s AI, innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

Talent development remained a priority, demonstrated through the launch of the Dubai AI Academy to train 10,000 future leaders and the “1 Million Learners” initiative supporting sustainability education.

DIFC also advanced its support for high-growth companies with a new venture debt initiative, broadened global outreach and celebrated the DIFC Employee Workplace Savings (DEWS) scheme surpassing $1bn in assets.

DIFC woos businesses

The Higher Board noted that DIFC remains the region’s only financial centre operating at scale across all sectors, enabling it to attract more than 8,000 companies, including more than 1,000 firms regulated by the DFSA.

As the independent regulator of banking, financial services and markets within DIFC, the DFSA now supervises the largest number of financial services firms in the region. It continues to see record numbers of firms seeking authorisation, with double-digit growth this year and more new firms approved than last year.

A new streamlined authorisation process has also been introduced to manage volume while maintaining the DFSA’s high regulatory standards.

The DIFC Courts also reported an unprecedented surge in activity, with claims exceeding AED17.5bn ($4.77bn) this year.

This underscores the strength of Dubai’s common law framework and the Courts’ reputation for handling high-value, complex commercial disputes.

The DIFC Authority, DFSA and DIFC Courts presented their 2026 priorities, which centre on enhancing global competitiveness, evolving the legal and regulatory framework, expanding infrastructure capacity, harnessing AI and innovation and empowering future financial leaders.

The Board also approved the DIFC Courts’ Five-Year Growth Strategy, aligning with the D33 Agenda and reinforcing Dubai’s status as a preferred jurisdiction for global commercial dispute resolution.

Members also emphasised the importance of Dubai Future Finance Week 2026 as a platform to shape the future of finance and attract further international investment.