Dubai, UAE – The Dubai International Financial Centre announced on Wednesday strong growth in its customer base during the first quarter of 2026. It has succeeded in attracting new clients from all over the region and the world.
The first three months of this year witnessed the joining of 775 new companies that took the center as their regional headquarters. Which reflects its prominent position in the financial, business and innovation sectors. This figure represents a 62% increase compared to the same period in 2025, which saw 478 companies join. Last March also recorded remarkable performance, with an increase of 59% year-on-year. The center received 258 new companies, compared to 162 companies last year.
A global destination for the financial sector
This continued growth of companies reflects a broader shift in the course of global financial flows. Investors and institutions are affirming their commitment to Dubai and its financial position despite the uncertainty facing the global economy. In this context, Dubai continues to consolidate its position as a preferred global destination for the financial sector, supporting its ambition to become one of the top four financial centers in the world.
Among the new companies that joined the Dubai International Financial Center and contributed to expanding the scope of business within its integrated system are: “Aropoint Investment Partners” (AIB Management) and “Primar Securities”. Blue Mountain Capacity, Janus Henderson Investors, and Keystone Financial Solutions. National Bank of Canada, Photon Dance, Prospera Wealth Management, RV Capital Management and Ryan Specialty (DIFC) Limited.
In light of the continued demand from regulated financial institutions, the Dubai International Financial Centre recorded a 21% growth in the number of financial services licenses granted during the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year. This strong performance reflects the Centre’s attractiveness as a preferred destination for establishing regional headquarters. And starting from there to serve the markets of the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region.
A reliable destination for wealth governance
Families at the center continued to grow, with the number of registered family entities reaching 158 during the first quarter of 2026. This is more than double the number recorded in the same period last year, with a record growth rate of 108%. This momentum accelerated specifically during March, with 60 institutions registering, an increase of 186% year-on-year. This growing performance confirms the Center’s position as a trusted destination for wealth governance, leadership succession planning, and sustainable asset management across generations.
The center completed the DIFC Square project before its scheduled deadline, achieving full rental rates before delivery. This project is part of the center’s comprehensive expansion strategy, which aims to add 1.6 million square feet of commercial space between 2026 and 2027. Including the projects “DIFC Living (DIFC Living)”, “Innovation 2 (Innovation Two)”, and the (Immersive Tower) project.
Work continues apace to complete the expansion project “Zabeel District – Dubai International Financial Centre according to the scheduled schedule. This project aims to develop an integrated future destination that combines commercial and residential uses with modern lifestyles. This area is centered around a major boulevard and includes a conference center, hotels, upscale stores, and advanced digital infrastructure. More than one million square feet in this area will be allocated to the innovation sector. The world’s largest innovation center will be established, as well as the world’s first specialized artificial intelligence complex (AI Campus).
