Dubai Climbs to 7th Globally in GFCI

Dubai, The Gulf Observer: Dubai has achieved its highest-ever position in the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI), climbing to seventh place worldwide, marking a significant milestone in the emirate’s rise as a leading global financial hub, according to a statement issued on March 26.

The latest ranking underscores Dubai’s growing influence within the international financial system and aligns with its long-term ambition under the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) to become one of the world’s top four financial centres by 2033.

Dubai’s performance represents the highest ranking ever attained by a financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. Notably, it remains the only centre from the region to feature among the top 20 globally, reinforcing its position as a regional leader and a competitive global player.

The achievement reflects the sustained expansion and impact of the Dubai International Financial Centre, which continues to serve as the backbone of the emirate’s financial ecosystem. The centre has grown into the region’s largest and most comprehensive financial district, connecting markets across Asia, Europe and the Americas.

Dubai now stands alongside major global financial hubs such as London, New York City, and Singapore. It also retained its classification among the world’s top 10 global leaders in the financial industry and was ranked as the number one financial centre expected to gain further significance.

Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of DIFC, said the milestone reflects the emirate’s forward-looking economic vision and the growing confidence of the international financial community. He emphasized that Dubai continues to strengthen its position as a future-ready hub for finance, investment and innovation under the leadership of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Produced by the London-based think tank Z/Yen Group, the GFCI is widely regarded as a leading benchmark of financial centre competitiveness, evaluating 137 financial centres based on more than 135 factors and over 34,000 industry assessments.

Dubai’s rise is also supported by the rapid growth of DIFC, which now hosts over 9,000 active companies, including leading global banks, asset managers, insurers and professional services firms, with a workforce exceeding 50,000.

For the first time, Dubai ranked among the top 15 across all evaluated sectors, with strong performances in finance, investment management, insurance and FinTech. Several categories—including professional services, trading, and regulatory frameworks—placed Dubai among the global top five.

Additionally, Dubai secured a place among the top 10 cities worldwide for business environment, financial sector development, human capital and infrastructure, further reinforcing its status as a dynamic and competitive financial centre.

Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, described the ranking as a testament to Dubai’s expanding global influence and its commitment to innovation and excellence. Meanwhile, Arif Amiri highlighted the continued momentum of DIFC’s ecosystem in attracting global institutions and fostering growth across key financial sectors.

As Dubai advances its D33 agenda, the latest GFCI ranking highlights the emirate’s strong trajectory toward becoming one of the world’s foremost financial capitals, serving as a vital bridge connecting East and West through capital flows, talent mobility and innovation.