February 23, 2026
Methodology About Newsletter
WE THE UAE 2031
The Vanderbilt Terminal for the UAE's National Transformation
INDEPENDENT GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% | UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% |

Definition

Fintech (financial technology) is the application of digital technology to improve, automate, and disrupt traditional financial services. The sector encompasses digital payments, peer-to-peer lending, robo-advisory, insurtech, blockchain-based finance, open banking, digital wallets, and regulatory technology. Fintech companies typically leverage mobile platforms, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing to deliver faster, cheaper, and more accessible financial products than traditional banks.

UAE Context

The UAE has emerged as the Middle East’s leading fintech hub, anchored by dedicated ecosystems in DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) and ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market). DIFC’s FinTech Hive, launched in 2017, serves as the region’s first fintech accelerator. ADGM operates a digital sandbox and innovation testing license allowing startups to test products in a controlled regulatory environment. The Central Bank of the UAE has introduced open banking regulations and a domestic instant payment platform. Major initiatives include the UAE’s Digital Economy Strategy, which targets digital transactions and financial inclusion. The country hosts hundreds of fintech companies across payments, lending, wealth management, and Islamic fintech verticals.

Key Data

  • Key hubs: DIFC FinTech Hive, ADGM RegLab, Hub71
  • Regulatory approach: Sandbox frameworks, innovation testing licenses, open banking rules
  • Sector verticals: Payments, lending, insurtech, Islamic fintech, wealthtech
  • Regional position: Largest fintech ecosystem in the Middle East and North Africa
  • Government support: UAE Digital Economy Strategy, national instant payments infrastructure

Significance for Vision 2031

Fintech is a strategic priority within the UAE’s Vision 2031, supporting financial inclusion, economic efficiency, and global competitiveness. The national agenda positions the UAE as a top-five global fintech hub by attracting international firms, supporting homegrown startups, and modernizing regulatory infrastructure. Fintech also enables the growth of Islamic finance, SME access to capital, and cross-border trade facilitation.