The Dubai International Financial Centre’s (DIFC) growth momentum as the leading global financial center in the region shows no signs of slowing down. In the first half of this year, 820 new companies set up shop in the center. For the first time, the number of active registered companies in DIFC exceeded 6,000, representing a 24% growth. 

The financial district’s assets under management (AUM) have also skyrocketed to $700 billion, marking a 58% jump from the previous year.

Not surprisingly, it is home to the region’s largest cluster of financial firms—over 370 wealth and asset management firms, including over 50 pure-play hedge funds, are now based in the center, originating primarily from the GCC, Europe, the UK, and the US. 

The fintech and innovation sectors have experienced explosive growth, with a 33% yearly increase. Its workforce has also expanded, with 4,647 new jobs created, totaling 43,787 employees.

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, the First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, hailed the DIFC’s achievements, stating that it has elevated Dubai’s status as a global financial powerhouse and contributed to the UAE’s economic growth.

In 2023, the financial center was crowned the top free zone for greenfield foreign direct investment projects, attracting $481 million in investments across 116 projects.

The DIFC is embarking on an ambitious real estate development plan to accommodate its rapid expansion. New projects are set to add over 148,000 square meters of commercial space to the financial center.

Earlier this year, DIFC opened the Innovation One tower, adding 18,580 sqm to the financial center. The center began the Immersive Tower project in May, set to add 58,500 sqm by Q2 2027. Last month, work started on DIFC Square, which will add 56,400 sqm by Q1 2026.