Dubai: The UAE’s glitzy emirate, Dubai, secured a position among the top four FinTech hubs worldwide in the latest GFCI released on September 25, 2025. This ranking is a great achievement and highlights the role of DIFC in strengthening the city’s place as the leading financial hub across the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa.
Moreover, Dubai has also climbed to 11th place in the world in the overall index for financial centers. The recently released GFCI report also confirmed that the emirate is the world’s number one city among financial centers expected to grow in importance. This shows the city is set to achieve more stellar achievements in the future.
DIFC Powers FinTech Growth in Dubai
DIFC highlighted that more than 1,500 FinTech, AI, and innovation companies are now operating within its ecosystem. This not only makes it the largest cluster of its kind in the region, but also shows its role in positioning Dubai among the top FinTech destinations worldwide. Besides strengthening the emirate’s reputation as a leading hub for finance technology, these companies have also contributed significantly to its economic group, as they have secured over $4.2 billion in investment. This success is often highlighted as one of the best startup story examples in the global FinTech landscape.
DIFC’s Governor, Essa Kazim, said that the Global FinTech Index Dubai ranking is a great achievement. He said this recognition strengthens the emirate’s reputation as a global leader in advanced financial services. He further added that DIFC is enabling innovation, creating new opportunities for growth, and making sure the city remains at the top in shaping the economic future in the world.
DIFC’s CEO, Arif Amiri, also shared his thoughts on Dubai’s top position in the GFCI ranking. He said the emirate’s focus on IT, talent, and technology is a key reason for this stellar achievement. He further added that GFCI is widely followed by investors and professionals in the global finance sector, and the latest rankings align with the D33 Dubai Economic Plan, which aims to place Dubai among the top FinTech destinations in the world.
What UAE Finance Minister Says About Dubai FinTech Growth
UAE’s Finance Minister, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said that the rise of Dubai as one of the top four FinTech hubs in the world shows the vision of Emirates’ PM, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He added that the country’s visionary leader not only aims to make Dubai a leading FinTech city globally, but is also focused on shaping the growth of other sectors.
He highlighted that Dubai progress in GFCI rankings 2025 is also driven by the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. He added that this ranking shows the trust of top international finance and IT firms in Dubai’s ability to provide them the right facilities and infrastructure for desired growth. He also noted DIFC’s great contribution in achieving this top rank, and confirmed that the emirate will continue to invest to strengthen its role as a center for innovation and outstanding opportunities.
With its visionary leaders, strategic initiatives and opportunities, and DIFC’s deep capabilities, Dubai is set to remain a global hub for FinTech firms, and it is highly expected that it will secure higher rankings in the future.
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