By Staff Reporter
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has posted a record-breaking start to 2026, welcoming 775 new companies in the first quarter—a 62% increase compared to the same period last year.
This surge highlights Dubai’s growing appeal as a global financial hub, even amid ongoing international market uncertainty. In March alone, 258 firms registered within the centre, marking a 59% rise from March 2025 figures.
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of DIFC, attributed the strong performance to Dubai’s forward-looking economic strategy. He emphasized that the emirate continues to convert global challenges into opportunities, aligning closely with the ambitious Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to position Dubai among the world’s top four financial centres by 2033.
The first quarter saw prominent global institutions such as Janus Henderson Investors and the National Bank of Canada establish a presence in DIFC, further strengthening its ecosystem across sectors like wealth management, financial services, and capital markets.
Financial services licences increased by 21% year-on-year, while family wealth structures experienced notable expansion. A total of 158 foundations were registered during the quarter, reflecting a 108% increase compared to Q1 2025.
On the development front, DIFC completed the DIFC Square project ahead of schedule, achieving full occupancy. The centre is also set to expand its commercial capacity with an additional 1.6 million square feet by 2027, including projects such as Innovation Two and Immersive Tower. The upcoming Zabeel District will feature a large-scale innovation hub alongside the world’s first purpose-built AI campus.
According to Arif Amiri, the results underscore the strength and global appeal of DIFC’s platform, with each new company reinforcing Dubai’s role as a key gateway for regional and international business growth.
Source: Emirates News Agency
