DUBAI, 07 August. - (ANA) - Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, today announced its industry leading performance, driven by continued global confidence in Dubai as a destination for finance, business and innovation. 

 

The number of DIFC active registered companies rose to 10,018 at the end of the first half of 2026, having attracted 2,318 new active registered companies representing organic growth of 30 per cent over the past 12 months.

 

Regulated financial services firms grew to 1,134, an increase of 16 per cent, reinforcing DIFC's position as the region's largest and most diversified financial services ecosystem, as well as being the only one operating at scale across all sectors. The results further strengthen DIFC's contribution to the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) which aims to place Dubai among the world’s top four financial centres.

 

The number of active businesses at the Dubai International Financial Centre has increased 30% over the past year to 10,018, according to figures issued by the hub. It is the first time the register has reached five figures, building on the 39% expansion in 2025. The number of regulated financial services firms was up 16% to 1,134, while AI, fintech, and “innovation” firms increased 39% to 1,933.

 

Dubai’s ability to attract more companies comes despite the disruptions of the Iran war and strong competition from rival hubs like Abu Dhabi and Riyadh. However, the figures do not offer any insight into the scale of registered companies’ operations. The DIFC said the district’s workforce was 50,200 in December. More office space came online in March at DIFC Square, to be followed by the $27 billion Zabeel District by 2040.  - (ANA) - 

 

AB/ANA/07 August 2026 - - -