Dubai : strengthening its position as a financial hub for Africa and the middle east

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) recently reached a significant milestone, surpassing 8,000 active registered companies, including more than 1,000 entities regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). This expansion reflects growing confidence from businesses in the DIFC’s legal and regulatory environment. In addition, the DIFC Courts have processed disputes totaling over AED 17.5 billion since the beginning of 2025, further strengthening the center’s legal framework.

“Our goal is to create an environment where companies have a platform to grow, incorporating innovation, high standards, and integrity,” explains Essa Kazim, Governor of the DIFC.

Since its establishment in 2004, the DIFC has built an ecosystem combining the strategy and infrastructure of the DIFC Authority, internationally aligned regulatory oversight from the DFSA, and judicial expertise from the DIFC Courts. Official figures indicate that this combination has strengthened transparency, stability, and certainty for businesses operating in the region.

A Hub for Financial Innovation

Dubai is also establishing itself as a global leader in FinTech. According to the Global Financial Centre Index, the city has risen to 11th place worldwide and ranks among the top four global FinTech hubs, highlighting the center’s continuous development in financial innovation. This recognition stems from initiatives such as the Dubai FinTech Summit, which brought together over 5,000 industry leaders, and the launch of the DIFC Metaverse platform, aimed at integrating emerging technologies into the financial sector.

A Framework for Investment and Innovation

The DIFC encourages the establishment of international and African companies, particularly in FinTech, professional services, and financial innovation. According to Essa Kazim: “Our framework is not only designed to meet today’s needs but to anticipate those of tomorrow, supporting sustainable development and attracting talent.”

Strengthened Links with Africa

The DIFC emphasizes its connectivity with over 77 countries across the MEASA (Middle East, Africa, and South Asia) region, providing African companies with access to new markets and international financial flows. This integration facilitates the participation of African firms in financing, digitalization, and sustainable transition initiatives.

Dubai is also attracting major international investments. Recently, CME Group, the world’s leading derivatives marketplace, opened an office in Dubai, designating the city as its hub for the Middle East. This expansion reflects growing investor interest in the region and the stability provided by the DIFC’s regulatory framework. Furthermore, global technology companies such as Alibaba Cloud have invested in local infrastructure to support the increasing demand for cloud and artificial intelligence services in the region.

Dubai aims to position itself as a reference financial center for Africa and the Middle East. The DIFC supports this ambition by providing a platform designed to facilitate business development and innovation in a secure and transparent environment.