Dubai’s improved ranking reinforces its status as a global finance hub and boosts investor appeal.
Dubai: Reaching seventh place in the Global Financial Centres Index, Dubai secures its highest ranking yet and strengthens its status as a leading financial hub.
The latest ranking positions Dubai alongside major global financial centres such as London, New York, and Singapore, while marking the strongest performance ever achieved by a hub in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.
Compiled by London-based Z/Yen Group, the index assesses 137 financial centres based on a wide range of factors and feedback from over 34,000 industry evaluations.
Momentum Builds Toward Top-Tier Status
Dubai’s rise in the rankings aligns with its long-term goal of entering the world’s top four financial centres by 2033, part of a broader strategy to strengthen its role in global finance and investment flows.
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum noted that this progress reflects both careful long-term planning and sustained confidence from international investors.
“Dubai’s ascent to seventh place in the Global Financial Centres Index demonstrates the strength of our economic vision and the trust the global financial community has in our ecosystem,” he said.
He added that the emirate’s approach prioritizes shaping future growth rather than merely responding to it.
“Confidently, Dubai strengthens its leadership, guided by a proactive vision that shapes the future rather than waiting for it.”
DIFC Growth Drives Global Standing
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has been pivotal in elevating the emirate’s global position, with ongoing growth across banking, investment, insurance, and financial technology.
The centre now hosts over 9,000 active companies and a workforce of more than 50,000, reflecting strong inflows of institutions and talent. Expansion across these sectors has also boosted Dubai’s rankings in multiple categories, including fintech, regulation, and professional services.
DIFC Governor Hails Milestone
Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, said the latest ranking reflects the scale of progress Dubai has achieved in recent years.
“Dubai’s remarkable rise in the Global Financial Centres Index is a significant milestone, showcasing the emirate’s ambitious vision and growing influence on the international financial stage,” he said.
Strength Across Sectors and Infrastructure
Dubai has strengthened its performance across all major segments measured by the index, achieving top-tier rankings in fintech, trading, and regulatory environment, along with gains in banking and investment management.
The emirate is the only city in the region to rank within the global top ten across key pillars such as business environment, human capital, and infrastructure, underscoring its ability to compete with established financial centres.
DIFC CEO Highlights Evolving Ecosystem
Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, said the ecosystem continues to evolve to meet global demand.
“Dubai’s rapid ascent in the Global Financial Centres Index reflects the remarkable momentum within DIFC’s ecosystem,” he noted.
A Bridge Between Global Markets
Dubai’s ranking underscores its role as a connector between major markets, facilitating capital flows and investment across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
With a well-recognized regulatory framework and a growing innovation ecosystem—including the DIFC Innovation Hub and Dubai AI Campus—the city continues to attract financial institutions and tech firms seeking regional and global reach.
