The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) — the leading global financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia — has achieved a significant milestone with more than 100 registered hedge funds, solidifying its position among the top five international destinations for hedge fund managers.

This remarkable growth — from 50 hedge funds at the start of 2024 to more than 100 today — underscores DIFC’s rapid rise as a dynamic global financial center. Notably, 81 of these funds are part of the “billion‑dollar club,” managing portfolios exceeding $1 billion.

Among the newest names to join DIFC’s hedge fund ecosystem are Baron Capital Management, BlueCrest Capital, Naya Capital Management, Nine Masts Capital, North Rock Capital, Pearl Diver Capital, Select Equity Group, Strategic Investment Group, Silver Point Capital, Squarepoint Capital, and Welwing Capital Group. These join a prestigious roster of existing fund managers including Balyasny, BlackRock, Blue Owl, Brevan Howard, Dymon Asia, Exodus Point, Hudson Bay, Millennium, Qube Research and Technologies (QRT), and Verition.

A Fast‑Growing Global Hedge Fund Destination

DIFC continues to attract hedge funds at an exceptional pace, driven by a range of competitive advantages:

• Direct access to key global markets across Asia, Europe, and the Americas

• A deep talent pool and extensive professional expertise in the region

• An integrated financial infrastructure offering banking, advisory services, and regulatory support

• Access to high‑net‑worth individuals, family offices, and sovereign wealth capital

Together, these factors create an ideal environment for hedge fund managers to grow and compete globally.

“Our leadership in the hedge fund sector is defined by a mature, fully operational ecosystem and growing trust both locally and globally,” said Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of the DIFC Authority. “By focusing on client needs and building strategic partnerships, we deliver innovative solutions that fuel continuous growth and enhance DIFC’s role as a global financial hub.”

Supporting Hedge Fund Growth

A key initiative fueling this momentum is the DIFC Hedge Fund Centre — a pioneering shared workspace dedicated to asset managers. The centre enables fund managers to launch and scale their businesses more efficiently and cost‑effectively. It hosts a wide range of companies from large global firms to mid‑sized and emerging managers.

More than 85% of hedge fund managers in the DIFC now benefit from a suite of integrated services, including financial advisory, capital raising, deal structuring, and sovereign wealth management — all delivered under one roof.

Alternative Investments on the Rise

The DIFC’s latest report on the future of alternative investments highlights strong growth across the sector. It emphasizes how technological innovation, regulatory improvements, and a broader investor base are key drivers attracting capital into alternative assets — now viewed as essential for portfolio diversification.

The report also notes growing interest from high‑net‑worth individuals and family offices. Since 2008, their allocation to alternative investments has more than doubled to around 15% of their portfolios.

A Thriving Wealth and Asset Management Hub

The asset and wealth management sector within the DIFC continues to expand rapidly, now hosting over 470 specialized firms. This ecosystem provides access to one of the region’s most concentrated pools of private wealth — including more than 1,250 family‑run entities operating within the centre.

Supporting this growth is the UAE’s rising appeal as a destination for global wealth migration. According to Henley & Partners, nearly 9,800 millionaires are expected to relocate to the UAE by the end of 2025, reflecting strong confidence in the country’s business and investment environment.