June 26, 2025
Dubai, UAE – The UAE’s FinTech sector is on a strong growth trajectory, projected to expand from USD 3.16 billion in 2024 to USD 5.71 billion by 2029, according to the newly launched “From Code to Capital: The UAE’s FinTech Revolution” report by Emirates NBD, developed in collaboration with PwC.
Unveiled at the Dubai FinTech Summit 2025, where Emirates NBD served as the Premium Banking Partner, the report presents a comprehensive, data-driven roadmap for the UAE’s evolving FinTech ecosystem. It highlights key trends such as AI integration, rising consumer adoption, and increasing venture capital activity, positioning the UAE as a global FinTech hub.
Key Highlights from the FinTech 2025 Report
- 💰 Market Growth: The UAE FinTech market is set to grow by more than 80% over the next five years, from USD 3.16B in 2024 to USD 5.71B in 2029.
- 📲 Digital Adoption: 89% of UAE consumers now use digital-first banking services, highlighting strong local demand.
- 🤖 AI Transformation: Artificial Intelligence is reshaping the financial landscape—enhancing personalization, compliance, and risk management capabilities.
- 🤝 Ecosystem Collaboration: Cross-sector partnerships, innovative regulation, and government support are fueling rapid FinTech expansion in the region.
Driving FinTech Leadership from Dubai
The report positions the UAE—particularly Dubai—as a regional and global FinTech leader, thanks to its visionary policies, digital-first consumers, and growing investment landscape.
“We’re proud to launch this report highlighting the UAE’s emergence as a FinTech powerhouse,” said Neeraj Makin, Group Head of Strategy, Analytics and Venture Capital at Emirates NBD. “With USD 265 million in FinTech investment secured in 2024, the UAE has clearly earned investor trust and is well positioned to attract future global players.”
FinTech startups in the UAE attracted nearly one-third of total national startup funding in 2024, underscoring the sector’s pivotal role in the country’s innovation economy.
A Platform for Open Innovation
“At Emirates NBD, we’re actively shaping the FinTech future through in-house innovation, strategic investments, and collaborative partnerships,” added Miguel Rio-Tinto, Group Chief Digital and Information Officer.
“This report demonstrates how banks can embrace FinTech to deliver smarter, faster, and more personalised customer experiences.”
The report encourages deeper collaboration between traditional banks and startups—through open APIs, co-branded models, and regulatory sandboxes—to ensure continued momentum and customer-centric progress.
AI at the Core of Financial Innovation
Artificial intelligence emerges as a central theme in the report, credited with transforming every layer of the financial value chain—from operational efficiency and regulatory compliance to customer engagement and predictive analytics.
“The UAE is becoming a smart financial hub driven by next-generation technologies,” noted Stephen Anderson, Strategy Leader at PwC Middle East. “This transformation reflects not only innovation but a strong regional commitment to building a connected, intelligent financial future.”
Emirates NBD’s shift from pre-AI to post-AI operations has resulted in measurable improvements in scale, control, and decision-making—highlighting the impact of AI on legacy institutions.
About Emirates NBD
Emirates NBD (DFM: Emirates NBD) is one of the largest banking groups in the MENAT region, with a footprint across 13 countries and a customer base exceeding 9 million. As of March 31, 2025, its total assets reached AED 1 trillion (approximately USD 272 billion).
Operating 839 branches and over 4,500 ATMs/SDMs, the Group offers comprehensive services across retail, corporate, Islamic, private, and investment banking, as well as asset management and treasury.
A pioneer in digital transformation, 97% of transactions are now conducted outside of branches, including through its lifestyle digital bank Liv, which continues to be one of the region’s fastest-growing banking platforms.
Commitment to Sustainability and Inclusion
Beyond banking, Emirates NBD plays an active role in shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for the UAE. It supports key national initiatives such as Dubai Can and is the Principal Banking Partner of COP28, reflecting its commitment to environmental responsibility and financial wellness.
