<p><strong>Dubai &mdash; October 20, 2025</strong><br />
Dubai continues to strengthen its status as the <strong>foremost global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA)</strong>, building on its growing reputation for innovation, economic stability, and cross-border investment facilitation.</p>

<p>According to the <strong>Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)</strong>&rsquo;s latest report, the emirate has achieved its <strong>highest ever ranking</strong> in the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI), placing among the world&rsquo;s <strong>top ten hubs</strong> for the first time. The growth has been fueled by strong inflows of <strong>foreign direct investment (FDI)</strong> and a surge in <strong>fintech startups</strong> setting up base in the region.</p>

<h3>Strong Growth Indicators</h3>

<p>The DIFC recorded a <strong>24% year-on-year increase</strong> in active companies, with more than <strong>5,500 firms</strong> now operating within its jurisdiction. Assets under management surpassed <strong>$1 trillion</strong>, while venture-capital activity in Dubai-based financial firms rose by <strong>35%</strong> over the past year.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>&ldquo;Dubai&rsquo;s financial ecosystem has matured into a global platform connecting East and West,&rdquo; said <strong>Essa Kazim</strong>, Governor of the DIFC. &ldquo;Our strategy focuses on sustainable finance, AI-driven innovation, and cross-border regulatory cooperation.&rdquo;</p>
</blockquote>

<p>The emirate&rsquo;s success has been underpinned by several structural advantages &mdash; a <strong>favorable tax environment</strong>, <strong>robust regulatory framework</strong>, and <strong>advanced digital infrastructure</strong>. Dubai&rsquo;s time zone and geographic location continue to make it an ideal bridge between Asian, European, and African markets.</p>

<h3>Global Partnerships and Reforms</h3>

<p>Authorities have also expanded bilateral cooperation with major global exchanges and regulators. The <strong>Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)</strong> recently signed agreements with counterparts in <strong>Singapore, London, and Riyadh</strong>, aimed at facilitating cross-listing and digital-asset oversight.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the <strong>Emirates Investment Strategy 2030</strong> seeks to channel sovereign wealth into emerging technologies, renewable energy, and sustainable finance initiatives &mdash; further aligning Dubai with global ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards.</p>

<h3>Digital Transformation and AI Focus</h3>

<p>The city&rsquo;s financial sector has rapidly adopted artificial intelligence and blockchain-based systems for compliance, fraud detection, and smart-contract deployment. Fintech ventures hosted in the DIFC Innovation Hub are now valued at more than <strong>$3.8 billion</strong>, a remarkable rise from $1.5 billion just two years ago.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>&ldquo;We are witnessing a shift where Dubai isn&rsquo;t just a financial hub &mdash; it&rsquo;s an innovation hub for the global south,&rdquo; said <strong>Dr. Mariam Al Suwaidi</strong>, CEO of the DFSA.</p>
</blockquote>

<h3>Outlook</h3>

<p>With continued reforms, transparent governance, and a commitment to digital excellence, Dubai is expected to retain its dominance across the MEASA region while expanding influence into Europe and Asia. The emirate&rsquo;s leadership envisions transforming DIFC into the <strong>world&rsquo;s most advanced financial innovation district</strong> by 2030.</p>