UAE leads in financial inclusion as digital push kicks in

The UAE is emerging as a standout performer in financial inclusion, posting strong recent gains driven by fintech growth, digital-finance uptake and robust policy commitment.

- Issac John [e-mail]

A view of the Dubai skyline. Analysts said the UAE appears to have moved beyond initial “bank the unbanked” phases into a deeper stage of inclusion. — FILE PHOTO

(FILE PHOTO)

The latest edition of the 2025 Global Financial Inclusion Index (GFII), compiled by Principal Financial Group in partnership with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebu), places the UAE 22nd globally—one of only three markets to move up more than one position this year.

According to the Index, the UAE made the largest gain worldwide in the “financial system support” pillar, climbing five places as its score improved by 1.9 points. The country also recorded the biggest global leap in its fintech development ranking, rising seven spots to 14th place, as more than 320 fintech firms with a combined value exceeding $3 billion scale up under the Digital Economy Strategy 2022.

The access-to-capital measure also jumped 16.6 points, suggesting strong momentum in SME growth and private-sector confidence.