DIFC reports strong global client growth in Q1 2026

Dubai: Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, reported strong momentum in the first quarter of 2026, recording significant growth in its global client base amid continued international confidence in Dubai’s economic ecosystem.

A total of 775 new companies established their presence in DIFC between January and March 2026, representing a 62 percent year‑on‑year increase compared to 478 companies in the same period of 2025. Growth accelerated in March, with 258 new companies joining DIFC, up 59 percent from 162 in March 2025.

The sustained influx of global, regional, and local firms reflects shifting international financial flows and reinforces Dubai’s position as a preferred destination for finance, business, and innovation. The performance also supports Dubai’s ambition to rank among the world’s top four financial centres.

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and President of DIFC, said Dubai continues to build a unique economic model guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

“Dubai continues to build a unique economic model rooted in a proactive and agile response to regional and global shifts and the ability to transform challenges into growth opportunities,” Sheikh Maktoum said, noting that this approach has strengthened Dubai’s position as a trusted global hub for business and finance.

He added that DIFC’s first‑quarter performance reflects growing international confidence in Dubai’s economic ecosystem, regulatory and legislative frameworks, and financial infrastructure, which together enhance the emirate’s ability to attract quality investment.

New companies joining DIFC in the first quarter further diversified its ecosystem. These included Arrowpoint Investment Partners (AIP Management), Braemar Securities, Blue Mountain Capacity, Janus Henderson Investors, Keystone Financial Solutions, National Bank of Canada, Photon Dance, Prospera Wealth Management, RV Capital Management, and Ryan Specialty (DIFC) Limited.

His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, said Dubai’s standing as a globally top‑ten ranked financial centre underlines the strength of the emirate’s long‑term vision and the role DIFC plays in delivering it, particularly during periods of global uncertainty.

DIFC recorded a 21 percent increase in financial services authorisations in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year, highlighting its appeal as a base for establishing regional headquarters serving MEASA markets.

His Excellency Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, said the strong start to 2026 was driven by sustained demand from new clients choosing DIFC as their regional base, reinforcing its reputation as the region’s leading financial centre.

Surge in family business and foundation registrations

Family businesses and foundations recorded notable growth during the quarter. DIFC registered 158 family foundations in Q1 2026, representing a 108 percent year‑on‑year increase. Registrations accelerated in March, with 60 new foundations added, marking a 186 percent increase compared to March 2025.

The growth highlights DIFC’s role as a trusted jurisdiction for wealth governance, succession planning, and long‑term management of intergenerational assets.

Demonstrating its capacity to meet rising demand, DIFC completed DIFC Square ahead of schedule, achieving 100 percent occupancy prior to handover. The project forms part of DIFC’s wider expansion plan to add 1.6 million square feet of commercial space between 2026 and 2027, including DIFC Living, Innovation Two, and Immersive Tower.

Progress also continues on the DIFC Zabeel District expansion, which will integrate commercial, residential, lifestyle, and innovation spaces, including more than one million square feet dedicated to innovation, the world’s largest innovation hub, and the world’s first purpose‑built AI Campus.