Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) delivered a robust performance in the first quarter of 2026, with a sharp increase in new company registrations and continued expansion across key financial segments.
According to H.H. Maktoum bin Mohammed, a total of 775 new companies established operations in the center during the quarter, marking a 62 percent year-on-year increase and signaling strong investor confidence in Dubai’s financial ecosystem.
The growth was accompanied by a significant rise in family businesses, which increased by 108 percent, alongside a 21 percent expansion in financial services authorizations, highlighting continued depth across both institutional and private capital segments.
The performance reflects the strength of Dubai’s economic model, which has been shaped by its ability to adapt quickly to regional and global shifts while capitalizing on emerging opportunities.
Maktoum bin Mohammed said, “We have built a unique economic model rooted in a proactive and agile response to regional and global shifts, transforming challenges into opportunities for growth. Through this model, Dubai continues to consolidate its standing as a trusted global hub for business and finance, a preferred destination for international capital, and the partner of choice for ambitious visionaries.”
The strong start to the year reinforces DIFC’s position as a leading global financial center, as it continues to attract international firms, family offices, and financial institutions seeking a stable and growth-oriented business environment.
