Dubai, UAE (Dec. 11, 2025) – The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has solidified its role as a core engine for Dubai’s long-term economic vision, as highlighted during a high-level meeting of the DIFC Higher Board of Directors. Chaired by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance of the UAE, and President of the DIFC, the session reviewed the exceptional progress across the DIFC Authority, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), and the DIFC Courts, affirming Dubai’s standing as a premier global financial hub aligned with the ambitious Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). The discussions focused on sustained double-digit growth, a commitment to sophisticated regulatory frameworks, and key strategic initiatives aimed at fostering innovation and developing regional talent.
Strategic Progress Positions DIFC Among Global Leaders
Sheikh Maktoum commended the continuous efforts of the DIFC ecosystem, recognizing its robust legislative framework and technological infrastructure as vital components reinforcing Dubai’s ambition to become one of the world’s top four financial centers by 2033. The DIFC has been instrumental in enhancing the emirate’s global competitiveness, leading to its top-four ranking globally in FinTech and 11th overall in the Global Financial Centres Index.
“Today, DIFC stands as a cornerstone of Dubai’s ambition to become one of the world’s top four financial centres by 2033,” Sheikh Maktoum noted. “This reflects Dubai’s unwavering commitment to fostering an innovative, investment-friendly financial ecosystem, solidifying its leadership and its growing role in shaping the future of global finance.”
His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, emphasized the center’s ongoing dedication to its 2030 Strategy, which aims to accelerate its contributions to the D33 Agenda. The DIFC’s unique structure, combining a forward-looking legal and regulatory environment with unparalleled access to regional growth opportunities, continues to attract multinational financial institutions and innovators at a record pace.
Regulatory and Judicial Frameworks Drive Confidence
The DIFC’s commitment to maintaining a robust, internationally recognized operational environment has yielded significant results.
The DFSA, which serves as the independent regulator for the center, continues to experience surging demand for new authorizations. The regulator reported continued double-digit growth this year, having authorized more new firms than in the previous year. To manage this volume while maintaining high standards, the DFSA has established a streamlined authorization process.
The DIFC is unique in the region for operating across all key financial sectors, attracting over 8,000 registered companies, including more than 1,000 regulated by the DFSA.
Furthermore, the DIFC Courts saw an unprecedented increase in the value of claims processed, surpassing AED 17.5 billion this year. This milestone underscores the effectiveness of the DIFC’s English-language common law system and its reputation for delivering reliable, world-class judicial services. To sustain this momentum, the Board approved the DIFC Courts’ comprehensive Five-Year Growth Strategy, designed to further support strategic objectives across Dubai and the UAE.
Investing in the Future of Finance and Talent
A core focus of the DIFC’s 2030 Strategy is developing infrastructure for the future economy, particularly in Innovation and Talent.
Key strategic initiatives highlighted include:
- Technology Ecosystem Expansion: Continued growth in the center’s AI, innovation, and entrepreneurship ecosystems.
- Talent Development: The launch of the Dubai AI Academy, aiming to train 10,000 future industry leaders, and the ‘1 Million Learners’ initiative focused on regional sustainability education.
- Venture Capital Support: Deepened support for high-growth companies through a new venture debt initiative.
- Financial Milestones: The DIFC Employee Workplace Savings (DEWS) scheme surpassed $1 billion in assets, illustrating successful financial framework maturation.
Looking ahead to 2026, the DIFC Authority, DFSA, and DIFC Courts will prioritize enhancing global competitiveness through the further evolution of the legal and regulatory framework, harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, and developing sustainable infrastructure capacity. The Board identified Dubai Future Finance Week 2026 as a crucial platform to shape the future of finance, drive global collaboration, and attract further foreign investment into Dubai.