UAE continues to strengthen its position as a leading global financial centre and a hub for fintech innovation
His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, and President of DIFC, said the UAE continues to strengthen its position as a leading global financial centre and a hub for FinTech innovation, thanks to its flexible and attractive business environment, advanced legislation, and world-leading digital infrastructure.
This came on the occasion of the opening day of the Dubai FinTech Summit’s 3rd edition, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Organised by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) under the theme ‘FinTech for All’ in Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, the two-day event brings together global industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to explore the latest trends and insights driving the FinTech sector.
His Highness Sheikh Maktoum said, “The Dubai FinTech Summit is a leading global platform for exploring the future of finance, addressing key challenges and opportunities, and fostering the development of innovative solutions for a thriving and sustainable financial industry.”
His Highness Sheikh Maktoum added, “The remarkable turnout of global industry leaders, experts and decision makers at this year’s Dubai FinTech Summit demonstrates the growing global recognition of Dubai as a key centre for shaping the future of finance and driving the global dialogue on FinTech innovation.
9,000 participants
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA), Chairman of Dubai Airports and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Airline and Group, attended the opening of the Dubai FinTech Summit, which attracted over 9,000 participants from 120 countries, alongside more than 1,000 investors, over 300 speakers and 200 exhibitors.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed toured the Summit’s exhibition, where he was briefed on the strategic initiatives that Dubai and DIFC have been driving to elevate the emirate’s status as a leading global financial centre.
The Summit features start-up and country pavilions in the exhibition arena to showcase cutting-edge solutions from emerging and established players.
Additionally, the FinTech World Cup is giving promising FinTech start-ups a global platform to display their solutions to investors, venture capitalists, and strategic partners, and an opportunity for investors to find the next big idea.
Leading innovations
The Dubai FinTech Summit, organised by DIFC as a global platform for the world’s FinTech community, aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and the Centre’s strategic goal of propelling Dubai to be a top four global financial centre by 2033.
This leading global gathering of more than 9,000 financial leaders, investors, policymakers, and innovators from over 120 countries is marked by the sharing of insights, strategic announcements, global collaboration and showcasing groundbreaking innovations.
A global platform
During his opening remarks at the Summit, His Excellency Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC announced the Dubai Future Finance Week, which will premier in 2026. An initiative led by DIFC, it will feature events such as the Dubai FinTech Summit, Future Sustainability Forum, Private Capital Forum, Seamless Middle East, HODL Summit, and Dubai Future District Fund Annual General Meeting.
His Excellency Essa Kazim said, “The week-long event will be held under the theme, ‘Pioneering tomorrow’s financial landscape: Innovation, sustainability, and global connectivity’ and is set to attract over 40,000 of the brightest, most influential minds to shape the future of the financial world.”
“Launch of the Dubai Future Finance Week is part of DIFC’s commitment to leading Dubai’s future in both finance and innovation. This new global platform will further cement Dubai’s position as the region’s leading global financial centre,” he added.
His Excellency Essa Kazim concluded, “Since the launch of the Dubai FinTech Summit, DIFC has made significant strides up the Global Financial Centres Index – particularly in the FinTech category, where Dubai is now ranked among the top five global centres. This recognition underscores DIFC’s role as a catalyst for innovation and highlights the strength of our thriving ecosystem, one that nurtures emerging technologies and empowers forward-thinking entrepreneurs.”
Global influence
Dubai’s influence as a global hub for FinTech continues to grow as evidenced by DIFC, now having over 100 related partnerships and agreements with leading organisations across the world. DIFC based start-ups have also raised over USD 4bn in funding locally, regionally and globally.
During the last decade, DIFC has attracted 1,304 AI, FinTech and innovation companies to establish in Dubai. These companies come from 63 countries, reflecting confidence the international FinTech industry has in the proposition developed by DIFC.
Exceptional capabilities
Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority commented, “Dubai’s intention to be the global capital of financial innovation is clear and we continue to attract start-ups, growth stage firms and unicorns at unprecedented rates because what we have done allows them to thrive.”
Amiri continued, “DIFC has built one of the most advanced financial ecosystems in the world. Dubai is not just shaping the FinTech landscape in the region. We have become a global launchpad for firms to test ideas, introduce technologies that disrupt, and policies that inspire.”
The Future of Finance report
At the Summit, DIFC unveiled The Future of Finance report, the Centre’s first-ever report that links AI and FinTech. Developed with the involvement of industry experts and clients, the report highlights AI’s transformative impact on finance and innovation. It offers bold insights on how the new market entrants and FinTech disruptors are challenging traditional banking models as digital connectivity expands globally, leading to a more dynamic and inclusive financial ecosystem.
The report also highlights key opportunities for financial services firms, including expanding into high-growth markets through digital solutions like mobile banking and alternative lending, fostering collaboration with FinTech disruptors to develop hybrid products, and adopting cloud computing for agility and efficiency. Prioritising AI integration, strengthening cybersecurity, and upskilling workers in emerging technologies are also crucial.
