DIFC Surpasses Previous Records in H1 2025, Firming Position as a Leading International Financial Center
DIFC Achieves Record-Breaking Performance in H1 2025
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has made significant strides in the first half of 2025, marking its best-ever half-year performance. This growth is evident in various sectors, making the DIFC a key contributor to Dubai's economic agenda.
In a remarkable show of growth, the number of family business-linked entities in the DIFC increased by 73%. This surge brought the total number of active registered firms to a impressive 7,700, with a total of 1,081 new companies joining the Centre in H1 2025.
The foundations sector in the DIFC also expanded by 54%, while the DIFC hosts 1,388 FinTech and innovation firms, marking a 28% annual increase. The Centre is home to 85 hedge funds and 69 billion-dollar funds, demonstrating its role as a hub for high-value financial enterprises.
The insurance and reinsurance sector also saw growth, with 135 firms operating in the DIFC. The gross written premiums for 2024 amounted to USD 3.5 billion, up 35% year-on-year.
The DIFC's legal and regulatory frameworks have evolved to accommodate this growth, with proposed updates on investment structures and global best practices.
The DIFC Academy, a key component of the Centre, enrolled a record 4,947 learners in H1 2025. The Academy launched the '1 Million Learners' initiative, targeting widespread sustainability knowledge.
The Centre's success is also reflected in its ability to attract large-scale events. Flagship events like the Dubai AI Festival and FinTech Summit attracted over 20,000 participants.
The DIFC's growth is aligned with Dubai’s comprehensive, decade-long plan, D33, which aims to double Dubai’s GDP by 2033 and position the city among the top three global centers for business, investment, and quality of life.
In a testament to its global appeal, the DIFC will host the Global Privacy Assembly 2026. The Centre's workforce also grew by 9% to reach 47,901 professionals in H1 2025.
The DIFC's commercial space is expanding to meet this growing demand, with 1.6 million sq. ft. of commercial space currently under development.
These achievements affirm the DIFC's role in driving Dubai's competitiveness, innovation, and global appeal as a leading financial centre.
- The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)'s record-breaking performance in H1 2025 is a testament to its role in driving Dubai's economic development.
- The number of family business-linked entities in the DIFC increased by 73%, demonstrating its appeal for business growth and innovation.
- The foundations sector in the DIFC expanded by 54%, while the DIFC hosts 1,388 FinTech and innovation firms, highlighting its commitment to finance, technology, and future investments.
- The DIFC Academy, a key component of the Centre, enrolled a record 4,947 learners in H1 2025, reflecting its emphasis on education and sustainability.
- The DIFC is placed strategically in Dubai’s comprehensive, decade-long plan, D33, aimed at doubling Dubai’s GDP by 2033 and positioning the city among the top three global centers for business, investment, and quality of life.
- The DIFC's success is also evident in its ability to attract large-scale events, such as the Dubai AI Festival and FinTech Summit, and its growing workforce of 47,901 professionals in H1 2025. The Centre is also set to host the Global Privacy Assembly 2026, furthering its global impact and appeal.
