Dubai – May 11, 2026
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has reaffirmed confidence in Dubai and the UAE’s long-term economic outlook, as major global firms continue expanding their presence despite ongoing regional uncertainty.
Senior executives from international banks, wealth management firms, insurers and fintech companies said Dubai remains a stable and attractive base for doing business across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.
Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, said recent events across the region have highlighted the strength of Dubai’s financial ecosystem and the resilience of the DIFC community.
“Over the past few weeks, countries in the Middle East have been navigating a period of uncertainty together,” Kazim said. “What continues to stand out is the confidence our clients and partners have in Dubai and the UAE’s long-term opportunities. Together, we are helping shape the future of finance and supporting Dubai’s ambition to become one of the world’s leading financial centres.”
DIFC Chief Executive Officer Arif Amiri said companies operating in the centre continue to see Dubai as a strategic gateway for regional growth rather than a market to retreat from during challenging periods.
Dubai recently climbed to seventh place globally in the Global Financial Centres Index – its highest ranking to date – reflecting continued international confidence in the emirate’s financial sector.
Banking sector highlights Dubai’s stability
DIFC is home to 290 banking and capital markets firms, including 17 of the world’s 19 globally systemic banks.
Executives from Citi, Julius Baer and Standard Chartered said the UAE’s strong regulatory framework, connectivity and business environment continue to make Dubai a preferred regional hub.
Citi’s Ebru Pakcan said DIFC allows the bank to remain close to clients and manage cross-border financial activity efficiently during periods of geopolitical uncertainty.
Julius Baer, one of the earliest institutions to establish itself in DIFC, said the region remains one of the world’s fastest-growing wealth markets, with strong long-term potential despite short-term volatility.
Standard Chartered also reaffirmed its commitment to the UAE, noting that businesses continue using Dubai as a base for accessing opportunities across regional and global markets.
Insurance and wealth management continue growing
The insurance sector within DIFC has expanded significantly in recent years, with gross written premiums more than doubling to over $4.2 billion during the past four years.
Marsh said Dubai has become a major hub for insurance and risk management services, supported by DIFC’s business-friendly environment and growing international connectivity.
Wealth and asset management firms also expressed confidence in Dubai’s outlook. DIFC now hosts more than 500 firms in the sector, benefiting from the UAE’s growing appeal to high-net-worth individuals and global investors.
Bentley Reid said many wealthy families and investors still see Dubai as a long-term destination despite regional tensions, with few reconsidering plans to relocate or invest in the UAE.
ICICI Prudential Asset Management, which opened an office in DIFC earlier this year, said Dubai’s strong regulatory environment and international connectivity made it a natural base for expanding its global operations.
Fintech and digital assets sector continues expanding
Fintech and digital asset companies also continue to increase their presence in DIFC, citing the UAE’s progressive regulatory approach.
Ripple, which established its Middle East and Africa headquarters in DIFC in 2020, recently announced further expansion plans in Dubai. The company said the UAE has positioned itself as one of the world’s leading hubs for digital assets through clear regulations and strong institutional support.
Property investment platform Stake said DIFC played a major role in helping the company scale rapidly by providing access to infrastructure, regulation and investors.
Payments company Taptap Send described DIFC as a strong base for fintech growth, highlighting Dubai’s global connectivity and access to talent.
Industry leaders across banking, insurance, wealth management and fintech said DIFC continues to offer stability, regulatory clarity and long-term growth opportunities, reinforcing Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading financial hubs.
