Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) recorded 775 new firm registrations in Q1 2026, up 62% year-on-year, reinforcing its position as a leading global financial hub.
March alone saw 258 new firms, a 59% YoY increase, despite regional disruption following the Iran war onset on February 28.
Demand for regulated financial services rose, with authorisations up 21% during the quarter.
Family foundations reached 158 registrations, more than double the previous year, highlighting DIFC’s growing role in cross-border wealth structuring between Europe and APAC.
New entrants include global financial firms such as Arrowpoint Investment Partners, Braemar Securities and Janus Henderson Investors.
Gulf Economist Staff Writer