International financial professionals have selected Dubai as the world’s leading location for financial technology in the latest edition of the Global Financial Centres Index. Dubai World Fintech Capital
The UAE emirate has solidified its position as the only marketplace in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region that has made it into the global top ten financial centers through the highly respected biannual assessment. Conducted in collaboration between think tank Z/Yen from London and China Development Institute, the 40th edition of the survey used 39,531 expert evaluations together with 143 quantitative indicators to score the financial centers.
This was largely due to Dubai’s aggressive artificial intelligence endeavors and digitization at the Dubai International Financial Center, which has also seen it rank second globally for professional services. Furthermore, international institutional trust propelled the city to sixth globally in overall reputation, while it secured the top spot for future growth potential for the fourth consecutive report. Regional counterpart Abu Dhabi also made substantial strides, surging eight places to rank 13th globally.
According to DIFC leadership, these milestones demonstrate the tangible results of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, an ambitious economic program seeking to cement the city among the top four global commercial capitals by 2033. The financial free zone currently accommodates over 10,000 active enterprises, including nearly 2,000 technology and artificial intelligence firms, employing more than 50,000 professionals.
“The results reinforce Dubai’s position as a premier financial destination and reflect the success of the D33 agenda,” noted Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC. “Our free zone continues to act as a vital catalyst in attracting institutional capital, world-class talent, and regulatory innovation.”
Expansion plans are already underway to sustain this trajectory, centered around the 17.7 million square foot Zabeel District development. The project will feature specialized research academies, expanded digital infrastructure, and dedicated startup hubs designed to eventually support over 42,000 companies and 125,000 workers.
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