Dubai reaches record 7th place in Global Financial Centers Index

Dubai has achieved its highest-ever ranking in the Global Financial Centers Index (GFCI), rising to seventh place globally and cementing its position as a leading international financial hub, WAM reported.

The ascent marks the highest ranking ever for a financial center in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA), and underscores Dubai’s growing influence in global finance. The city remains the only center from the region to feature in the top 20 worldwide.

The rise reflects the strength and breadth of Dubai’s financial ecosystem, anchored by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the region’s largest and most comprehensive financial district.

DIFC now hosts over 9,000 active companies, including the world’s largest banks, asset managers, hedge funds, insurers, and professional services firms, supporting a workforce of more than 50,000.

The center has seen record-breaking growth across FinTech, capital markets, wealth management, insurance, and professional services, positioning Dubai as a hub connecting Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

For the first time, Dubai ranked in the top 15 across all sectors evaluated by the GFCI. Banking is ranked 14th, while finance, investment management, and insurance are in the top 10.

Other sectors, including FinTech, government and regulatory, professional services, and trading, ranked in the top five globally. Dubai also leads the region in business environment, human capital, infrastructure, and financial sector development.

H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of DIFC, said the achievement reflects the emirate’s proactive economic vision and international confidence in its financial ecosystem.

“Through the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, we are accelerating our efforts to position Dubai among the world’s top four financial centers by 2033,” he said.

Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, described the ranking as a milestone demonstrating Dubai’s growing global influence, while DIFC CEO Arif Amiri highlighted the center’s focus on innovation, global partnerships, and regulatory excellence as key drivers of its rapid rise.

The GFCI, produced by London-based Z/Yen Group, ranks 137 financial centers worldwide, making Dubai’s performance a significant benchmark in global finance.