DIFC Reaches 100 Hedge Funds, Cementing Its Global Standing
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region, has reached a major milestone by registering its 100th hedge fund. This achievement highlights DIFC’s dominance in the sector and its rapid rise as one of the world’s top five global hedge fund hubs.
The number of hedge fund managers based in DIFC has doubled from 50 at the start of 2024, with 81 firms now managing assets exceeding USD 1 billion. This accelerated growth reflects increasing global confidence in Dubai’s financial ecosystem.
Global Hedge Fund Leaders Choose DIFC
During 2025 alone, DIFC welcomed prominent hedge fund managers such as Baron Capital Management, BlueCrest Capital, Naya Capital Management, Nine Masts Capital, North Rock Capital, Pearl Diver Capital, Select Equity Group, Strategic Investment Group, Silver Point Capital, Squarepoint Capital, and Welwing Capital Group.
These firms join an already impressive lineup of global industry leaders including BlackRock, Brevan Howard, Millennium, Balyasny, Blue Owl, Hudson Bay, Verition, and Qube Research and Technologies, making DIFC home to the region’s strongest alternative investment community.
Why Hedge Fund Managers Are Choosing DIFC
Hedge fund managers continue to establish operations at DIFC at a record pace due to its strategic advantages. DIFC allows seamless access to Asian, European, and American markets, supported by a deep talent pool and one of the world’s most advanced banking and advisory ecosystems.
Additionally, DIFC offers direct access to high net worth individuals, family offices, and sovereign wealth funds, making it an ideal base for raising and managing private and institutional capital.
Innovation Driving Sustainable Growth
According to His Excellency Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, the Centre’s success reflects the maturity and credibility of its platform. DIFC’s strong focus on client needs and industry partnerships continues to drive innovation across its financial services ecosystem.
A key example is the DIFC Funds Centre, a unique co-working hub designed specifically for asset managers. This facility enables firms to establish operations quickly, operate cost-effectively, and scale efficiently. Today, over 85% of DIFC based hedge fund managers have the ability to raise and manage private and sovereign capital through the Centre.
Strong Momentum in Alternative Investments
DIFC’s latest report on the future of alternative investments highlights powerful momentum in the sector. Technological innovation, regulatory reforms, and increased investor access are accelerating capital flows into alternatives, which are now becoming core components of diversified investment portfolios.
High-net-worth individuals and family offices have doubled their allocation to alternative investments since 2008, with allocations now reaching approximately 15%.
A Thriving Wealth and Asset Management Ecosystem
DIFC’s wealth and asset management sector has expanded to over 470 firms, benefiting from proximity to the Middle East’s largest concentration of private wealth. The Centre hosts more than 1,250 family-related business entities, further strengthening its appeal to global investment managers.
Dubai’s position as the world’s leading destination for wealth migration adds to this momentum. According to Henley & Partners, an estimated 9,800 millionaires are expected to relocate to the UAE by the end of 2025, reinforcing DIFC’s status as a global capital for investment and financial innovation.
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