Regional conflict fails to dent DIFC appeal in March

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) reported a surge in new company registrations in March 2026 despite the Iran war impacting the city.

In March, which saw the conflict between the US, Israel and Iran peak and lead to a slowdown in business activity across the Middle East, the number of new companies registered with the region’s largest financial centre rose by 258, compared with an increase of 162 in March 2025.

The total number of companies setting up base in the first two months of the year rose by 62 percent, or 517, compared with 316 in the same period last year. 

Overall, the first quarter (January to March) saw 775 new companies established in DIFC, up 62 percent from 478 in the first quarter of 2025.

New companies included Arrowpoint Investment Partners, Braemar Securities, Blue Mountain Capacity, Janus Henderson Investors, Keystone Financial Solutions, National Bank of Canada, Photon Dance, Prospera Wealth Management, RV Capital Management and Ryan Specialty (DIFC) Limited.

“DIFC’s strong performance during the first quarter of 2026 reflects the rising international confidence in Dubai’s economic ecosystem, its advanced regulatory and legislative frameworks and financial infrastructure,” said Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, deputy prime minister, finance minister and president of DIFC.

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DIFC recorded a 21 percent year-on-year increase in financial services authorisations in the first quarter of 2026. A total of 158 foundations registered, more than double the number recorded in the same period last year. Momentum accelerated in March, with 60 foundations registered, a 186 percent jump year on year. 

DIFC Square was completed ahead of schedule, achieving full occupancy before handover. The development is part of the centre’s expansion strategy, which will add 1.6 million sq ft of commercial space between 2026 and 2027, including DIFC Living, Innovation Two, and Immersive Tower.

Progress on DIFC’s Zabeel District expansion continues as planned, with more than one million sq ft allocated to innovation.
This month, DIFC rolled out a package of temporary support measures to help businesses weather the economic fallout from the Iran war. It introduced initiatives including flexible payment plans for retail and commercial tenants, instalment options for licence renewal fees and targeted support for retailers.