Written by
Sarah Layka
Dubai Achieves Record-Breaking 7th Place in Global Financial Centres Index
Updated: Apr 02, 2026, 02:18 PM
Sarah Layka
Dubai has secured a position as one of the top seven financial centers globally in the latest Global Financial Centers Index. This achievement represents Dubai's highest position in the history of the index.
Dubai now joins other prominent global financial centers such as London, New York, and Singapore as one of the top seven financial centers globally.
Dubai has now secured the top position for financial centers in the MEASA region: a region comprising some of the most vibrant emerging economies globally. No financial center in the region has ever secured a position as high as Dubai's in the history of the index.
The index comprises 137 financial centers globally and is based on over 34,000 industry professional opinions. The index measures financial centers based on five critical parameters: business environment, human capital, infrastructure, financial sector development, and reputation.
The Dubai International Financial Centre has been at the heart of the emirate’s upward movement in the rankings. DIFC currently accommodates more than 9,000 active companies with over 50,000 employees, with the expansion in the fields of banking, investments, insurance, and finance continuing unabated. This has directly impacted the emirate’s position in the areas that carry the greatest weight in the GFCI.
Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, stated that the achievement is an indication of the significant progress the emirate has recorded in the past few years. It is a milestone that confirms Dubai’s position as one of the key players in the international financial arena.
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated that the achievement was the result of Dubai’s economic strategy over the years. The Sheikh emphasized that the strategy is not focused on responding to the current situation; instead, it is about proactively building the future.
Dubai is aiming to become one of the top four financial centers in the world by the year 2033 as part of its economic strategy. The economic strategy is focused on increasing the emirate’s contribution to the global economy in terms of capital flows. The achievement in the GFCI is a significant step towards the goal.
For further insights and comprehensive real estate advisory services, please contact Driven | Forbes Global Properties at +971800374836.