A new Forbes report has forecast a strong growth trajectory for the United Arab Emirates’ financial technology (fintech) sector, predicting the market will reach $3.56 billion by 2025 and $6.43 billion by 2030. With a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.56%, the UAE is now positioned among the fastest-growing fintech markets globally.
Titled “What Can FinTech Learn From The UAE’s Rise As The Next Hotspot?”, the report highlights several key drivers behind the UAE’s fintech momentum. Among the most significant are low business startup costs compared to Europe, and the presence of strategic free zones like Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). These zones are designed to deliver cost-effective and sustainable financial services while attracting global firms.
The UAE has also emerged as a global fintech hub, thanks to effective policies and forward-thinking initiatives that have drawn significant foreign direct investment (FDI). According to the report, cutting-edge technologies such as generative AI and blockchain are reshaping the market, while homegrown startups are increasingly making their mark in the financial ecosystem.
The country’s fintech growth is further bolstered by a supportive regulatory environment, cultivated by proactive government action. Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC, emphasized that the UAE’s independent regulatory structure, efficient judicial system, and international financial infrastructure give startups the tools they need to attract investors and scale globally.
The report also shed light on the UAE’s leading role in startup funding across the region. In 2024 alone, the UAE secured $1.1 billion across 207 startups, outpacing regional competitors such as Saudi Arabia, which raised $700 million across 186 deals.
For fintech professionals and entrepreneurs, the report concludes that the UAE offers a model worth emulating—particularly in its commitment to clear regulatory frameworks and strong compliance standards. These elements, it notes, are crucial for building safe, innovative, and investment-ready financial operations.
