The UAE is emerging as a regional frontrunner in financial technology, according to the ‘From Code to Capital: The UAE’s FinTech Revolution’ report released by Emirates NBD in collaboration with PwC. Previewed at the Dubai FinTech Summit 2025, the report outlines key growth trends shaping the nation’s FinTech ecosystem and offers a strategic roadmap for industry stakeholders.
Drawing on data from 2024 and forward-looking projections, the report reveals that FinTech startups in the UAE secured approximately USD 265 million in funding, accounting for nearly one-third of all startup investment in the country. The local FinTech market is forecast to grow from USD 3.16 billion in 2024 to USD 5.71 billion by 2029, driven by high consumer adoption, a favourable regulatory environment, and expanding venture capital networks.
“We are proud to launch the FinTech 2025 Report, showcasing the UAE’s success as a FinTech hub, supported by Emirates NBD’s innovation. The UAE’s USD 265 million of FinTech funding in 2024 signals strong investor confidence,” said Neeraj Makin, Group Head of Strategy, Analytics and Venture Capital at Emirates NBD. “Bolstered by a robust venture capital network, diverse talent, and clear exit paths, the UAE is primed to attract even greater investment and cultivate future FinTech leaders.”
The report highlights that the UAE’s FinTech momentum is being reinforced by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across the financial sector. This includes improvements in personalisation, compliance, and risk modelling — areas where AI adoption is helping to scale operations and enhance service efficiency.
“Emirates NBD is proud to help drive the FinTech revolution in the region through strategic partnerships, in-house innovation and venture investments,” said Miguel Rio-Tinto, Group Chief Digital and Information Officer at Emirates NBD. “As the industry continues to evolve, we remain committed to building an open, collaborative ecosystem that delivers long-term value to our customers and the wider financial sector.”
PwC echoed a similar sentiment, emphasizing the broader regional significance of the UAE’s FinTech transformation.
“This report illuminates the dynamic FinTech landscape within Dubai. We see a region transformed by innovation, driven by technology and visionary strategies,” said Stephen Anderson, Strategy Leader at PwC Middle East. “Our commitment is to empower clients, partners, and communities to thrive in this smarter, connected financial future, and the UAE is at the forefront of this revolution.”
In addition to AI, the report emphasizes the importance of open APIs, regulatory sandboxes, and collaborative innovation models in driving growth and developing scalable FinTech solutions. As regulatory frameworks mature and digital infrastructure deepens, both traditional financial institutions and emerging startups are increasingly aligned in shaping a more inclusive and tech-enabled financial ecosystem.
The FinTech 2025 report positions the UAE as a leading innovation hub, not only in terms of capital inflows but also in the deployment of next-generation financial technologies, with long-term potential to influence broader digital financial trends across the Middle East.
