DIFC posts record 2025 results as revenues climb 20% to AED 2.13 billion
Dubai, UAE – February 5, 2026
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) announced landmark annual results for 2025, posting combined revenues of AED 2.13 billion, up 20% from AED 1.78 billion in 2024, and net profits of AED 1.48 billion, a 28% increase. Active companies grew 28% year-on-year to 8,844, with 2,525 new registrations, up 39%. The results underscore Dubai’s ascent as a top global financial hub.
Announcement Specifics
DIFC’s financial ecosystem now hosts 1,052 firms, including over 290 regional headquarters for banks and capital markets, 135 insurance firms, and more than 500 wealth and asset managers. FinTech and AI organizations reached 1,677, a 35% rise, with startups raising over $4.5 billion. Wealth management firms grew 22%, while family entities surged 61% to 1,289. The workforce hit 50,200 professionals, creating 4,122 new jobs (up 9%), with women comprising 36%.
Stakeholder Perspective
“The record-breaking results achieved by DIFC in 2025 across all sectors reflect the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to solidify Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for finance and business, and a premier international hub for generating new economic and financial opportunities.”
— His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of DIFC
Why it matters: This statement reinforces top-level government commitment to Dubai’s financial sector expansion, boosting investor confidence.
“DIFC’s progressive legal and regulatory framework form decisive pillars that support the phenomenal growth achieved by the Centre in 2025.”
— His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC
Why it matters: The emphasis on regulatory strength positions DIFC’s legal infrastructure as a competitive differentiator driving ecosystem expansion.
Industry Context
DIFC outpaced broader market growth, elevating Dubai to 11th in the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) and securing a top-four global FinTech hub ranking. New entrants including PIMCO and Warburg Pincus signal institutional trust amid global shifts toward digital finance and wealth management. While Riyadh competes aggressively for regional financial leadership, DIFC dominates Dubai’s landscape with expansions like the Zabeel District, adding 17.7 million square feet of space.
These results align with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), enhancing MENA capital flows, job creation, and innovation. DIFC’s operational model continues to attract global talent, positioning the UAE ahead in fintech and wealth management infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
DIFC advances its Zabeel expansion, PropTech Hub targeting $300 million investment by 2030, and NextGen Leadership Programme launching in 2026. The first 600,000 square feet of new space will be handed over at the end of February 2026, fueling Dubai’s ambition to cement its position as a top-four global financial centre.
Sources: Zawya, DIFC, Arabian Business, Bloomberg
