In a first quarter 2026 business update, the Dubai International Financial Centre said 775 new companies established a presence in the centre, up 62 percent from 478 in the same period of 2025. March accounted for 258 of those new firms, compared with 162 in March 2025. The centre also recorded a 21 percent year-on-year increase in financial services authorisations, pointing to continued demand from regulated institutions using DIFC as a base for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. Family wealth activity also accelerated, with 158 foundations registered in the quarter, up 108 percent year on year, and 60 foundations registered in March, up 186 percent. To meet demand, DIFC said DIFC Square was completed ahead of schedule and reached full occupancy before handover, while its wider expansion plan is set to add 1.6 million square feet of commercial space between 2026 and 2027 through DIFC Living, Innovation Two and Immersive Tower. Work on the Zabeel District expansion is continuing as planned, with more than one million square feet allocated to innovation space, including an AI Campus.
Dubai International Financial Centre 2026-04-29
Dubai International Financial Centre reports 775 new companies in first quarter of 2026 and 21 percent growth in financial services authorisations
The Dubai International Financial Centre reported a 62 percent year-on-year increase in new company registrations in the first quarter of 2026 to 775, alongside a 21 percent rise in financial services authorisations, underscoring continued demand from regulated institutions. Family wealth activity also grew sharply, with 158 foundations registered in the quarter, up 108 percent year on year. To accommodate this growth, DIFC completed DIFC Square at full occupancy and is progressing expansion plans, including over 1.6 million square feet of additional commercial and innovation space such as an AI Campus.