Dubai Climbs to 7th in Global Financial Centres Index

Dubai has reached a historic milestone by securing 7th position globally in the latest Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI). This marks the highest-ever ranking achieved by the emirate and highlights its rapidly growing influence in the global financial system.

This achievement strengthens Dubai’s position as a leading financial hub and aligns with its long-term vision under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to place the city among the top four global financial centres by 2033.

Regional Leader with Global Competitiveness

Dubai has emerged as the top financial centre across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region. It remains the only city from the region in the global top 20, showcasing its unmatched regional leadership.

Globally, Dubai now stands alongside major financial hubs like London, New York City, and Singapore, reinforcing its status as a key player in international finance.

DIFC Driving Growth and Innovation

A major factor behind this rise is the continued expansion of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which serves as the backbone of Dubai’s financial ecosystem.

• Over 9,000 active companies

• Workforce exceeding 50,000 professionals

• Presence of global banks, asset managers, insurers, and fintech firms

DIFC has evolved into a global financial gateway, connecting markets across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Strong Performance Across Key Sectors

Dubai demonstrated impressive growth across multiple financial sectors:

• Top 10 in Finance, Investment Management, and Insurance

• Top 5 in FinTech, Professional Services, and Trading

• Ranked 14th globally in Banking

Additionally, Dubai secured a place among the top 10 cities worldwide for:

• Business Environment

• Financial Sector Development

• Human Capital

• Infrastructure

Leadership Vision Driving Success

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum credited this success to strong leadership and strategic vision, emphasizing Dubai’s commitment to building a future-ready financial ecosystem.

He highlighted that the emirate is not just adapting to global changes but actively shaping the future of finance through innovation, resilience, and proactive policies.

Global Trust and Future Outlook

The GFCI, developed by the London-based Z/Yen Group, evaluates 137 financial centres using extensive data and global industry feedback.

Dubai’s rise reflects growing international confidence, strong regulatory frameworks based on English common law, and a thriving innovation ecosystem supported by initiatives like DIFC Innovation Hub and Dubai AI Campus.