The United Arab Emirates’ FinTech sector is poised for rapid expansion, with market value projected to surge from $3.16 billion in 2024 to $5.71 billion by 2029, according to a new report released by Emirates NBD in collaboration with PwC Middle East.
Titled “From Code to Capital: The UAE’s FinTech Revolution,” the report was unveiled at the Dubai FinTech Summit 2025, where Emirates NBD served as the event’s Premium Banking Partner. It outlines a data-driven roadmap for stakeholders in the UAE’s financial ecosystem and highlights the country’s growing status as a regional FinTech powerhouse.
In 2024 alone, UAE-based FinTech startups attracted $265 million in funding — nearly one-third of the country’s total startup capital for the year — signalling robust investor confidence and strong growth potential.
“The UAE’s $265 million in FinTech funding in 2024 highlights our country’s appeal to global investors and innovators,” said Neeraj Makin, Group Head of Strategy, Analytics and Venture Capital at Emirates NBD. “With a maturing venture capital network, diverse talent pool, and clear exit strategies, the UAE is well-positioned to cultivate the next generation of FinTech leaders.”
The report identifies key factors fueling the sector’s growth, including widespread digital adoption, regulatory innovation, public-private partnerships, and the accelerating integration of artificial intelligence (AI). AI is already reshaping financial services in the UAE — from enhancing customer experience through hyper-personalisation to streamlining compliance and risk management.
Miguel Rio-Tinto, Emirates NBD’s Group Chief Digital and Information Officer, said the bank is “driving the FinTech revolution” through partnerships, in-house innovation, and venture investment. “We are committed to building an open, collaborative ecosystem that delivers long-term value to customers and the financial sector as a whole.”
Stephen Anderson, Strategy Leader at PwC Middle East, added that Dubai’s FinTech transformation is underpinned by visionary strategies. “This report reflects how the region is being reshaped by digital innovation. Our goal is to empower businesses and communities to thrive in this smarter, connected financial future.”
In addition to growth projections, the report calls for deeper collaboration between banks and startups through regulatory sandboxes, open APIs, and co-branded innovation models. Such cooperation, the authors argue, is essential to maintaining industry momentum and maximising consumer impact.
With the UAE continuing to evolve as a regional FinTech hub, stakeholders across sectors are being urged to embrace new technologies and forge partnerships that can propel the sector toward its full potential.
