DIFC elevates Dubai to 7th ranking in Global Financial Centres Index, accelerating towards top 4 global financial hub ambition

DUBAI, UAE, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Dubai has recorded its highest ever ranking on the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) at seventh place globally underscoring the Emirate's accelerating rise among the world's most influential financial hubs and its importance in the global financial system.

This achievement is pivotal in Dubai's ambitious goal to become one of the top four global financial centres by 2033, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to solidify the emirate's status as a global financial, investment and innovation hub.

Dubai's performance is the highest ranking ever achieved by a financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), as it remains the only centre from the region to feature in the top 20, underscoring its regional leadership and global competitiveness.

The Emirate's financial ecosystem is anchored by the continued expansion and global impact of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which continues to cement its position as a comprehensive financial hub.

The ranking positions Dubai alongside financial hubs including London, New York City and Singapore. Dubai remained one of ten cities in the world to be a global industry leader and ranked the number one financial centre expected to become more significant.

HE Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, commented: "Dubai's remarkable progress in the Global Financial Centres Index is an outstanding milestone that highlights the Emirate's ambitious vision and expanding influence on the international financial stage. Anchored by DIFC's world-class infrastructure and forward-looking regulatory environment, we continue to strengthen Dubai's position as the region's leading global financial hub, attracting top-tier financial institutions, innovators and talent."

In recent years, DIFC has experienced record-breaking growth, hosting over 9,000 active companies, including the world's largest banks, asset managers, hedge funds, insurers, professional services firms, and a workforce of over 50,000.

For the first time, industry respondents ranked Dubai in the top 15 across all evaluated sectors, and as the region's only city to feature anywhere in this prestigious cluster. Banking is ranked 14^th, Finance, Investment Management and Insurance are in the top 10, and FinTech, Government & Regulatory, Professional Services and Trading advanced into the top 5. Dubai is also recognised as the region's only financial centre among the top ten cities globally competitive for Business Environment, Financial Sector Development, Human Capital and Infrastructure.

 

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DIFC elevates Dubai to 7th ranking in Global Financial Centres Index, accelerating towards top 4 global financial hub ambition

SANYA, China, March 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On March 23, at the 30-day countdown press conference for the 6th Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026 ("the Games" or "Sanya 2026"), the ticketing system was officially launched. Starting today, 118,000 discounted tickets are available to the public worldwide. People can conveniently purchase tickets for various events through the designated official online channels, getting an early taste of the convenient and smart ticketing services.

As the official online ticketing platform designated by the 6th Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026 Organising Committee (SABGOC), the system includes the official ticketing website and the "6th Asian Beach Games Ticketing" mini-program, offering tickets for the competition events to the global public. The platform integrates functions such as information release, user registration, and online ticket purchasing, aiming to create a convenient, efficient, and personalized ticket-buying experience.

According to Zhang Yue, head of the Ticketing Division in the Marketing Department of the 6th Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026 Executive Committee (SABGEC), "Currently, the public can purchase tickets for events such as 3x3 Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Beach Handball, Sport Climbing, Beach Soccer, Teqball, Wrestling, Jiu Jitsu, Beach Kabaddi, and Beach Athletics through official ticketing channels. Ticket prices range from 30 to 200 yuan, with an average price of 80 yuan." The Games will feature 10 venues with nearly 10,000 spectator seats available, and approximately 100,000 tickets are planned for sale.

In line with the "Green Games" environmental philosophy, the Games will primarily adopt e-tickets. After completing registration and real-name authentication on the official ticketing platform, the public can select and purchase tickets for their desired sessions and enter the venues by presenting their e-tickets. To accommodate those who may have difficulty using mobile phones, the SABGOC has set up on-site ticket booths at each venue to provide paper ticket sales services, ensuring that everyone who wants to attend can purchase tickets conveniently.

The SABGOC has introduced multiple public-friendly benefits. During the Games, all spectators who purchase tickets can enjoy exclusive discounts at recommended merchants. Additionally, ticket holders can enjoy free bus rides within Sanya's urban area on the day of the event. With e-tickets as the primary format, on-site ticket booths will open at all venues two days before the start of the competitions to meet the ticketing needs of diverse groups.

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Sanya 2026 Ticketing System Launched: 118,000 Discounted Tickets on Sale Globally