Published: 28/07/2025
Anchored by the strength of Dubai’s finance sector, the Dubai International Financial Centre registered a record number of new companies during the first half of 2025.
The DIFC announced on Monday that it welcomed 1,081 companies during the period an increase of nearly one-third compared to the previous year and the highest number ever recorded for a six-month span.
This growth brought the DIFC’s total number of active registered companies to 7,700, marking a 25% increase year-on-year. Meanwhile, the Centre’s workforce grew by 9%, reaching 47,901 employees.
The new companies joining DIFC include notable names such as ABK Capital, Avaloq, Baron Capital, Blue crest Capital, Bridge Investment Group, Cambridge Associates, China International Capital Corporation, dLocal, Manulife, National Bank of Kuwait, Pearl Diver Capital, Pimco, RV Capital, Silver Point Capital, Tourmaline, TransAmerica Life Bermuda, and Welwing Capital Management.
Financial services firms regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) increased by 17% year-on-year, reaching a total of 980. Additionally, financial services authorization’s saw a 28% rise, climbing to 78. Within the DIFC, companies in the banking and capital markets sector grew by 17%, totaling 289.
New companies in financial technology and innovation surged 28%, reaching 1,388. This contributed to a 28% increase in the total number of active non-financial entities, which now stands at 6,335.
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and President of the DIFC, described the DIFC’s first-half performance as a “direct reflection” of a vision aimed at establishing Dubai as one of the world’s leading advanced financial centres, according to a statement from the Dubai Media Office.
“Dubai has entered a new and greater phase of growth and these results highlight the competitiveness, attractiveness and global confidence it enjoys,” Sheikh Maktoum said.
The DIFC’s wealth and asset management cluster the largest in the region added 70 new entities, reflecting a 19% year-on-year increase, the Centre reported. According to data from Henley & Partners, Dubai boasts the highest concentration of private wealth of any city in the Middle East.
This status has contributed to a 72% increase in hedge funds at the DIFC over the past year, bringing the total to 85, the center reported. Additionally, more than 10,000 funds are currently managed or marketed from the DIFC.
Sheikh Maktoum expressed confidence in the future, stating, “We are certain that even greater opportunities lie ahead, and we remain committed to enhancing the DIFC’s capabilities and ecosystems that promote innovation, agility, and business growth.”
Aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda known as D33 the DIFC is expanding its offerings to support the initiative’s goal of doubling Dubai’s economy to AED 32 trillion within the next decade and positioning the emirate among the world’s top three global cities.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the UAE’s economy expanded by 4% last year, reaching AED 1.776 trillion ($484.7 billion). This growth was primarily fueled by a robust increase in the non-oil sector, with financial and insurance activities alone growing by 7% as the country advances its diversification efforts
Recent data reveals that Dubai’s economy grew by 3.1% in the first nine months of last year compared to the same period in 2023, reaching AED 339.4 billion. According to government figures released in February, this growth was primarily driven by progress in sectors such as finance.
Building on this momentum, the DIFC achieved a record number of new company registrations last year, while its workforce grew by 10% year-on-year, surpassing 46,000 employees.
During the first half of last year, the DIFC welcomed 820 new companies, while total assets under management within its financial district exceeded $700 billion, reflecting ongoing expansion efforts.
DIFC Governor Essa Kazim stated, “Our steady achievements across key sectors and growing global reputation demonstrate our dedication to fostering innovation, attracting international capital, and strengthening Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most competitive and diversified economies.
In alignment with Dubai’s urban development plans, the DIFC has been expanding its real estate portfolio. The recently launched DIFC Heights, which sold out within three days, underscores the strong demand for premium residential options in the financial district, the Centre reported.
Over 1.6 million square feet of commercial space is currently under development, with construction being fast-tracked to meet growing demand. According to the DIFC, new spaces will be ready for occupancy starting in the first quarter of 2026.
As demand for office space in Dubai continues to rise, Aldar Properties the largest real estate developer in Abu Dhabi acquired a 40-storey commercial tower in the DIFC for AED 2.3 billion in December.
In the first half of 2025, the DIFC also proposed new Variable Capital Company Regulations, designed to significantly improve investment structuring and asset management options for proprietary investment within the Centre.
The DIFC also introduced proposed legal updates through the DIFC Laws Amendment Law, which includes enhancements to the Law of Security, Insolvency Law, and Employment Law, aiming to align the framework more closely with international standards, the Centre added.
