Dubai’s business narrative is shifting. Growth is no longer a matter of forecasts and aspirations, it is being measured in concrete results, global investor confidence, and visible economic activity.
The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre stands as a clear example. In the first half of the year alone, it has added over 1,100 new companies, bringing its total membership close to 26,000.
For investors and industry leaders, this represents more than resilience; it signals a sustained momentum that is actively redefining the landscape of trade and technology.
Accounting for approximately 15% of Dubai’s annual foreign direct investment and 7% of its GDP, the free zone has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the emirate’s economy. This growth has been driven by robust demand from China, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom, supported by the introduction of new licensing options and the deepening of commercial links across Asia.
Technology Ecosystem on the Rise
DMCC’s technology sector is growing steadily. The Crypto Centre now has over 700 member companies, up 38% from last year, and includes well-known names like Bitcoin.com and Animoca Brands. The Gaming Centre has expanded to more than 140 companies, while the AI Centre, launched in September 2024, now has over 110 firms. Together, these hubs are home to almost 1,000 businesses working at the cutting edge of Web3 and other new technologies.
To accommodate this growth, DMCC has begun construction on the 17-storey Crypto Tower in Jumeirah Lakes Towers. The landmark will feature blockchain incubators, an AI innovation floor, and gold vault facilities, an unprecedented combination that reflects Dubai’s blend of cutting-edge digital and established commodity markets.
Strength in Commodities and New Ventures
While new technologies are growing fast, DMCC still holds a strong place in global commodities. In the past five years, the UAE has traded over one billion carats of diamonds. The first DMCC Specialty Coffee Auction set a record price of $10,020 per kilo.
DMCC has also teamed up with AQUA-INDEX to create the world’s first water-backed digital asset, a step towards opening the DMCC Water Centre.
Global Reach and New Licensing Models
International interest in DMCC continues to strengthen. Company registrations from the UK rose by 23% over the past year to nearly 2,200, while registrations from Türkiye grew by 22% to around 700. Chinese companies also recorded an increase of almost 10%, reaching just under 1,000.
The launch of Special Purpose Vehicle and Holding Company licences has further appealed to multinational corporations and family offices, offering them flexible and business-friendly structures within Dubai.
Real Estate Expansion
Along with its business growth, DMCC is improving its real estate and lifestyle options. Uptown Dubai and JLT are adding two new Grade A office towers, the Mercer House luxury homes, and the W Residences by Marriott International. New dining and leisure spots like Uptown Social and Sur.Dubai are making the area an even more attractive place to live, work, and visit.
OneInvestments: Investing in Dubai’s New Chapter
Building on the momentum of a strong 2024 and a record-breaking start to 2025, DMCC enters the second half of the year with a clear strategy: to grow its advanced technology sectors, promote sustainable trade, and strengthen its role as a global gateway for business.
In this environment of confidence and expansion, the property market is emerging as a space where opportunity meets stability. We at OneInvestments are positioned to help investors secure properties that align with both their financial goals and lifestyle aspirations.
