Adoption of generative artificial intelligence among DIFC companies increases by 166% within a year
Dubai, November 12, 2025 – The 2025 Artificial Intelligence Survey issued by the Dubai Financial Services Authority, the independent regulator of the Dubai International Financial Centre, today, showed a significant acceleration in the adoption of artificial intelligence among the center’s financial companies, with 52% of companies now using it effectively, compared to 33% in 2024, with generative artificial intelligence recording the highest jump in growth at more than 166% within twelve months.
The survey was conducted in June 2025, and included data from 661 licensed companies, with a participation rate of 88%, operating across the banking, capital markets, wealth and asset management, and financial technology sectors.
The survey provided insight into how artificial intelligence is being adopted and governed in the Centre’s financial services sector.
The results show a fundamental shift, as most companies are now integrating artificial intelligence into at least one area of their operations, and the majority plan to enhance adoption with the expectation that its pace will accelerate over the next year.
Although the Authority welcomed the accelerating pace of innovation, it stressed that it must be accompanied by effective governance, regulatory oversight, ethical use of data, and appropriate risk management practices.
The Authority, as the regulator, continues to engage closely with the financial sector to develop the necessary guidelines and frameworks for the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence technologies.
Justin Baldacchino, Director General of the Supervision Department at the Dubai Financial Services Authority, said that the financial services system in the Dubai International Financial Center is working to adopt artificial intelligence at an accelerated pace, and although the adoption of artificial intelligence is still at an early stage for many companies, there is a growing awareness of its strategic potential in enhancing performance at the level of the entire organization, starting from operational efficiency and regulatory compliance, to customer interaction and increased sales.
He added that the Authority’s priorities are to work to achieve a balance between innovation and integrity, ensuring that companies exploit the potential of artificial intelligence, within frameworks that protect customers, manage risks, and maintain market confidence. Therefore, it is necessary to develop governance frameworks in parallel with this, with clear accountability and oversight at every stage of adopting artificial intelligence.
The survey results also confirm a conservative and controlled approach to deploying artificial intelligence, as many companies still focus its use on internal functions and processes, rather than external or customer-oriented applications. This conservatism is reflected in the clear disparity between the applications used, as well as the need to build expertise and develop effective governance frameworks.
The Authority confirmed that it will continue its regulatory approach based on risk assessment, ensuring that its supervision remains proportionate and responsive to emerging risks without imposing unnecessary burdens on companies, in the coming months.
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