Dubai has been ranked ninth and Abu Dhabi 13th in the September 2026 edition of the Global Financial Centres Index, placing two UAE cities among the world's leading financial hubs.
Dubai slipped two places year-on-year, although its underlying score improved, with faster gains by rival centres accounting for the drop. It continues to sit alongside Singapore, New York, London and Hong Kong.
Abu Dhabi was the standout performer, climbing eight places as international asset managers expanded in the capital. Abu Dhabi Global Market reported a 54 per cent year-on-year rise in assets under management in the first half of 2026, with Bain Capital, Barings, Hillhouse Investment, Rokos Capital Management and Man Group among the firms establishing or growing their presence.
Gulf Economist Staff Writer