The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is rapidly becoming a global leader in financial technology, with artificial intelligence adoption surging among its authorized firms. A recent survey by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), covering 661 firms representing an impressive 88% participation rate, reveals that AI usage jumped from 33% in 2024 to a staggering 52% in 2025. This acceleration isn’t just about numbers; it signifies a fundamental shift in how Dubai’s financial sector operates.
The most dramatic growth is seen in generative AI, whose adoption skyrocketed by 166% within a year. This transformative technology, capable of creating new content like text, images, and code, is now utilized by 48% of surveyed firms, compared to just 18% in 2024. Narrow AI, designed for specific tasks, also saw significant adoption growth at 99%, while deep learning and machine learning usage climbed over 60%.
This rapid embrace of AI extends beyond mere experimentation. Sixty percent of the firms anticipate increasing their AI utilization within the next year, and a staggering 75% project similar expansion over three years. However, this breakneck pace raises concerns about whether regulatory frameworks are keeping up. The survey unearthed a concerning gap: while 60% of firms have some form of governance structure for AI, a significant 21% lack clear accountability or oversight mechanisms, even when AI is critical to their core operations.
This finding points to a crucial challenge: ensuring responsible and ethical AI implementation alongside rapid deployment. While most current applications (79%) focus on internal processes like finance, HR, and compliance, the potential impact on external-facing operations remains largely untapped – only 21% of firms currently deploy AI in these areas.
The survey respondents themselves highlighted the need for greater regulatory clarity regarding AI governance, ethical use, and supervisory expectations. Harmonizing regulations across Dubai’s financial sector was also a key request.
This rapid evolution within DIFC is part of a larger trend. Dubai positions itself as a global AI powerhouse through initiatives like the UAE AI Strategy 2031 and the Dubai AI Campus at DIFC. The city aims to become one of the world’s leading AI hubs, attracting talent, investment, and cutting-edge research in the field.
The upcoming Dubai AI Festival, with its focus on showcasing innovation and driving collaboration within the industry, further underlines Dubai’s commitment to solidifying its position at the forefront of the AI revolution.