Dubai International Financial Centre recorded strong growth in its client base during the first quarter of 2026, with 775 new companies choosing the centre as their regional headquarters.

The result reflects DIFC’s growing position as a leading global financial centre across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, as well as Dubai’s continued appeal to companies operating in finance, business and innovation.

The number of new companies represents a 62% increase compared with the same period in 2025, when 478 companies joined the centre.

March also delivered a strong performance, with 258 new companies joining DIFC, compared with 162 companies in the same month last year, marking annual growth of 59%.

Growth Reflects Investor Confidence in Dubai

The continued expansion highlights a broader shift in global financial flows, as investors and institutions maintain their commitment to Dubai despite uncertainty in the global economy.

Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a preferred destination for the financial sector, supported by advanced regulatory and legal frameworks, modern infrastructure, and a business environment designed to attract international companies and capital.

This growth also supports Dubai’s ambition to become one of the world’s top four financial centres, in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

A Flexible and Forward-Looking Economic Model

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and President of Dubai International Financial Centre, said Dubai continues to strengthen a unique economic model based on readiness, flexibility and the ability to keep pace with regional and global changes.

He said this approach is guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, which focuses on anticipating the future, enhancing the readiness of the economic environment, and turning challenges into opportunities for growth and expansion.

Sheikh Maktoum added that DIFC’s strong performance in the first quarter of 2026 reflects growing international confidence in Dubai’s economic ecosystem, supported by advanced legislative and regulatory frameworks and an integrated financial infrastructure that helps attract high-quality investments.

New Companies Expand DIFC’s Business Ecosystem

A number of new companies joined Dubai International Financial Centre during the first three months of the year, helping to expand business activity across its ecosystem.

These companies include Arrowpoint Investment Partners, Brevan Securities, Blue Mountain Capacity, Janus Henderson Investors, Keystone Financial Solutions, National Bank of Canada, Photon Dance, Prospera Wealth Management, RV Capital Management, and Ryan Specialty DIFC Limited.

Their arrival reflects the diversity of firms operating within the centre and strengthens DIFC’s role as a regional base for companies serving markets across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.

Dubai Among the World’s Top 10 Financial Centres

Essa Kazim, Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre, said Dubai’s ranking among the world’s top 10 financial centres is clear evidence of the strength of the emirate’s strategic vision, particularly amid current global economic challenges.

He noted that DIFC plays a central role in turning this vision into tangible results by strengthening investor confidence, developing legal and regulatory frameworks, and attracting global capital.

Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, said the centre began 2026 with strong momentum, driven by a steady flow of new clients choosing DIFC as their base for regional operations.

He added that this growth not only confirms the strength of DIFC’s platform, but also reinforces its position as a leading, dynamic and future-ready financial centre.

Financial Services Licences Rise

Dubai International Financial Centre recorded a 21% increase in the number of financial services licences issued during the first quarter of 2026, compared with the same period last year.

This growth reflects rising demand from regulated financial institutions and underlines DIFC’s appeal as a regional base for companies looking to serve markets across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.

It also confirms the strength of Dubai’s financial ecosystem and the centre’s ability to provide a clear and advanced regulatory environment for institutions seeking long-term growth.

Strong Growth in Family Entities

Family entities also continued to grow within Dubai International Financial Centre, reaching 158 entities in the first quarter of 2026. This is more than double the number recorded during the same period last year, representing growth of 108%.

The pace of growth accelerated in March, with 60 new entities registered, an annual increase of 186%.

This performance confirms DIFC’s position as a trusted destination for wealth governance, succession planning, and asset management across generations.

Expansion Projects Support Rising Demand

As part of its expansion strategy, Dubai International Financial Centre completed the DIFC Square project ahead of schedule, achieving full occupancy before handover.

The project forms part of a wider plan to add 1.6 million square feet of commercial space between 2026 and 2027. This includes DIFC Living, Innovation Two, and Immersive Tower.

Development work on the DIFC Zabeel District is also progressing according to schedule. The district is set to become an integrated destination combining business, residential living and modern lifestyle offerings, supported by advanced digital infrastructure.

The project will include a conference centre, hotels and premium retail outlets, along with more than one million square feet dedicated to the innovation sector. It will also feature the world’s largest innovation hub and the first dedicated artificial intelligence campus of its kind.

DIFC Continues to Strengthen Its Global Position

The first-quarter results for 2026 show that Dubai International Financial Centre continues to expand its role as a global financial hub.

With strong growth in new companies, rising demand for financial services licences, increased family entities and continued progress on major development projects, DIFC is moving steadily forward in line with Dubai’s long-term economic vision.

The centre’s performance also reinforces Dubai’s position as a trusted global destination for finance, investment and business growth.