The Emirate of Dubai has achieved its highest-ever ranking in the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI), moving up to seventh place globally. This advancement underscores its rapid rise as one of the most influential financial hubs worldwide and solidifies its strong position within the international financial system.
This milestone is significant for Dubai as it works toward its ambitious goal of becoming one of the top four global financial centres by 2033, in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to bolster the emirate’s role as a global center for finance, investment, and innovation.
This ranking marks a notable achievement for a financial center in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Dubai continues to distinguish itself as the sole representative from the region in the top 20 global financial centers, affirming its regional leadership and international competitiveness.
The accomplishment highlights the ongoing momentum in Dubai’s financial sector, propelled by the continuous expansion and global impact of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which maintains its status as a comprehensive financial destination.
Additionally, this ranking places Dubai alongside leading global financial hubs such as London, New York, and Singapore, making it the only center from the region in this elite group. The emirate has retained its position as one of the top ten cities globally in the sector and has topped the list of financial centers expected to increase in importance in the future.
His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Deputy Ruler of Dubai, expressed that under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai continues to affirm its position as one of the most competitive and future-ready global financial centers, strengthening its role in shaping the future of the financial sector globally.
He noted that Dubai’s rise to seventh place in the GFCI reflects the strength of their economic vision and the confidence of the international financial community in their framework. The emirate is committed to accelerating its efforts to become one of the top four global financial centers by 2033, in alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
He emphasized that Dubai is steadily advancing towards greater strength and leadership, driven by a proactive vision that shapes the future and a flexible developmental approach that enhances its readiness for various changes. This approach underlines its capacity to turn challenges into opportunities while continuing to fortify its status as a leading global center for business, investment, and innovation.
The GFCI, produced by the London-based consulting group Z/Yen, is considered the most credible global benchmark for financial center competitiveness, evaluating 137 financial centers worldwide based on 135 key factors and data collected from over 34,000 assessments conducted by financial services professionals globally.
Dubai’s ascent in the rankings reflects the depth and breadth of its financial infrastructure, with the DIFC serving as a critical hub and foundation of this system.
Additionally, DIFC is the largest and most comprehensive financial zone in the region, recognized globally as a connector between markets in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
In recent years, DIFC has experienced remarkable growth, attracting leading financial institutions, global investors, and innovative tech companies.
Currently, it hosts over 9,000 active companies, including some of the largest global banks, asset management firms, hedge funds, insurance companies, professional service firms, and a workforce exceeding 50,000 specialists.
For the first time, survey respondents from various sectors ranked Dubai among the top 15 cities across all evaluated sectors, making it the only city in the region to achieve this prestigious status.
The banking sector ranked fourteenth, while the finance, investment management, and insurance sectors placed among the top ten. Furthermore, sectors such as fintech, governmental and regulatory frameworks, professional services, and trading were highlighted among the top five.
Dubai also received recognition as the only financial center in the region ranked among the top 10 cities for global competitiveness in business environment, financial sector development, human capital, and infrastructure.
His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of the DIFC, stated that Dubai’s notable advancement in the GFCI represents a distinguished achievement, confirming the emirate’s ambitious vision and its growing influence on the international financial arena. The DIFC boasts world-class infrastructure and a sophisticated regulatory environment, driving ongoing efforts to enhance Dubai’s status as a leading financial center in the region, attracting top financial institutions, innovators, and talent.
Additionally, His Excellency Arif Amiri, CEO of the DIFC Authority, indicated that Dubai’s rapid rise in the GFCI reflects the exceptional momentum of the DIFC ecosystem. Their strategy focuses on fostering innovation, attracting leading global financial institutions, and creating an enabling environment conducive to the growth and prosperity of businesses. As they continue to expand their platforms across fintech, capital markets, wealth management, and insurance, the DIFC will play a pivotal role in achieving Dubai’s ambition of becoming one of the top four financial centers globally.
The rankings in the GFCI illustrate Dubai’s role as a global bridge linking East and West, facilitating capital flows and talent movement and accelerating innovation across international markets.
The DIFC operates under a reliable and globally recognized legal and regulatory framework and comprises the largest regulated financial ecosystem with over 1,050 companies, along with a rapidly growing innovation environment through the “Innovation Hub” in the DIFC and the “Dubai AI Campus,” contributing to bolstering Dubai’s position among the leading financial capitals worldwide.
As the emirate advances toward achieving the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the latest GFCI ranking highlights the strong momentum that will continue to enhance Dubai’s global financial leadership in the coming years.