The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) recorded a 30% increase in new company registrations in the 12 months to end-June 2026, attracting 2,318 new active firms.
The first half of 2026 alone saw 1,506 new registrations, a 39% year-on-year rise, pushing total active companies past the 10,000 mark for the first time. Regulated financial services firms grew 16% to 1,134, wealth and asset management companies rose 35% to 592, and banking and capital markets firms increased 13% to 327.
Notable H1 arrivals include Allianz Trade Middle East, hedge fund Arrowpoint Investment Partners, and Bank of Canada, with Blackstone also reported to be establishing a DIFC presence. DIFC Authority CEO Arif Amiri attributed the momentum to broad-based expansion across financial services, innovation activity, and rising investment flows into the hub.
Gulf Economist Staff Writer