Use of artificial intelligence (AI) within Dubai’s financial industry has surged rapidly, new data from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) shows.
The regulator’s 2025 AI survey shows that 52 % of companies operating in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) currently use AI — up from 33 % in 2024 — with generative-AI usage alone increasing by 166 % compared with the previous year.
Taken in June 2025, the DFSA survey collected responses from 661 authorised firms across banking, capital markets, wealth and asset management, and fintech — an 88 % participation rate.
The findings highlight the growing integration of AI into core financial operations and decision-making within the DIFC.
These results indicate a notable market shift: most firms are now using AI in some part of their operations, and a clear majority plan to expand use in the coming 12 months.
While welcoming the acceleration of innovation, the DFSA stressed that effective governance, ethical use of data and robust risk management are essential for responsible AI adoption.
The Authority said it will continue collaborating closely with the industry to create frameworks and guidance supporting sustainable and secure AI integration.
Justin Baldacchino, Managing Director of Supervision at the DFSA, commented: “The DIFC’s financial services ecosystem is quickly embracing AI. Although many firms are still at an early stage, there is increasing recognition of its strategic power to improve organisation-wide performance — from operational efficiency and regulatory compliance to customer engagement and sales. Our priority at the DFSA is to balance innovation with integrity — ensuring firms harness AI’s potential within frameworks that protect customers, manage risk and preserve market confidence. It is therefore vital that governance frameworks evolve alongside adoption, with clear accountability and oversight at every stage.”
The DFSA observed that firms are adopting a measured approach to AI, focusing mainly on internal functions and processes rather than direct customer-facing applications.
This reflects both the early stage of AI implementation and the necessity for institutions to develop practical experience and governance capacity before broadening usage.
The regulator confirmed it will continue applying a risk-based oversight approach, ensuring its regulatory response stays proportionate, adaptable and aligned with global best practices.
In the coming months, the Authority will keep actively engaging with both domestic and international financial regulators to encourage responsible innovation while safeguarding financial stability and investor protection.
