Dubai has achieved a major milestone by being ranked among the top four global cities in the field of financial technology, according to the latest edition of the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI). This recognition solidifies the city’s status as a global innovation hub and reflects the growing influence of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) in shaping the future of finance in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.

The ranking is based on evaluations from thousands of experts in the financial and technology sectors worldwide, as well as a wide range of economic and innovation-based indicators. This top-tier status reinforces Dubai’s position as a trusted, future-ready destination for fintech growth and investment.

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and President of DIFC, highlighted that this achievement is a direct result of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. That vision has continuously pushed Dubai to the forefront of global financial innovation, aiming to place it among the cities shaping the future of the global economy.

Sheikh Maktoum commended the efforts of the DIFC team in advancing Dubai’s leadership in advanced financial services. He emphasized that this global ranking supports the goals of Dubai’s D33 economic agenda, showcasing the city’s ability to provide a world-class environment and infrastructure that fuels growth across sectors, particularly finance and technology.

Coinciding with this international recognition, the DIFC revealed that it now hosts more than 1,500 companies specializing in AI, fintech, and innovation within its Innovation Hub. These companies have collectively raised over $4.2 billion in investment, making DIFC the largest ecosystem of its kind in the region.

In addition to its fintech achievement, Dubai climbed to the 11th spot globally in the overall GFCI ranking, further underlining its rising global influence in financial services. This jump reflects the international trust in Dubai’s financial ecosystem and the successful execution of DIFC’s strategic initiatives aligned with the D33 economic agenda.

Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, stressed that Dubai has always been at the forefront of financial innovation, and this latest ranking is proof of the city’s global standing in fintech and beyond. “Through DIFC, we continue to enable innovation and create new growth opportunities that ensure Dubai remains a key player in shaping the future of the global economy,” he stated.

Arif Amiri, CEO of the DIFC Authority, added that Dubai’s position among the top four fintech hubs is a direct result of its consistent focus on innovation, talent acquisition, and technology development. He emphasized DIFC’s role as a collaborative platform that empowers entrepreneurs, large corporations, and visionary investors to thrive together, further boosting Dubai’s leadership in global financial transformation.

The Global Financial Centres Index now recognizes Dubai as the only financial hub in the region with such a prominent global role, backed by strong and expanding capabilities. Notably, Dubai also ranks first worldwide in terms of expected future growth and importance on the global financial stage.