Dubai, UAE – 29 April 2026
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), has reported strong growth momentum in the first quarter of 2026, driven by a surge in new global, regional, and local clients.
A total of 775 new companies established a presence in DIFC during Q1 2026, marking a 62% increase compared to 478 firms in the same period last year. Growth accelerated further in March, with 258 new registrations, up 59% year-on-year from 162 in March 2025.
This sustained influx reflects a broader realignment in global capital flows, with institutions and investors increasingly choosing Dubai and DIFC in particular as a strategic base amid ongoing global uncertainty. The trend reinforces Dubai’s ambition to rank among the world’s top four financial centres.
Leadership vision driving growth
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 Dubai’s economic resilience is rooted in a proactive and agile model shaped by long-term strategic vision.
He noted that this approach, inspired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has strengthened Dubai’s position as a trusted global hub for business and finance, capable of transforming challenges into growth opportunities.
Sheikh Maktoum added that DIFC’s strong performance reflects rising global confidence in Dubai’s economic ecosystem, supported by advanced regulatory frameworks and world-class financial infrastructure. He reaffirmed commitment to advancing DIFC’s innovation-driven ecosystem in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which targets positioning Dubai among the world’s top four financial hubs by 2033.
Expanding global ecosystem
New entrants to DIFC during the quarter included major international and regional players such as Arrowpoint Investment Partners, Braemar 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.
Investor confidence strengthens
His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, said the Centre’s performance underscores Dubai’s status as a top global financial hub, even amid global volatility. He emphasized DIFC’s role in enhancing investor confidence, strengthening regulatory transparency, and attracting international capital.
Meanwhile, Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, attributed the strong start to 2026 to the continued inflow of new clients choosing DIFC as their regional base, further reinforcing its position as the region’s leading financial centre.
Growth in financial services and wealth structures
DIFC recorded a 21% increase in financial services authorisations in Q1 2026 compared to the same period last year, reflecting strong demand from regulated institutions establishing regional headquarters.
The Centre also saw a sharp rise in wealth structuring activity, with 158 foundations registered, more than doubling year-on-year (108% growth). March alone saw 60 foundations established, representing a 186% increase, highlighting growing trust among global families in DIFC’s legal framework for succession planning and long-term wealth management.
Expanding capacity to meet demand
DIFC continues to scale its infrastructure to support rising demand. DIFC Square was completed ahead of schedule and reached full occupancy prior to handover.
The Centre’s expansion pipeline will deliver 1.6 million square feet of new commercial space between 2026 and 2027, including developments such as DIFC Living, Innovation Two, and Immersive Tower.
Progress is also advancing on the landmark Zabeel District expansion, which will introduce a mixed-use destination combining commercial, residential, and lifestyle offerings. The district will feature a signature boulevard, conference centre, hotels, premium retail, and advanced digital infrastructure, alongside over one million square feet dedicated to innovation including the world’s largest innovation hub and the first purpose-built AI Campus.
