Emirates NBD, one of the leading banking groups in the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye (MENAT), has released its 2025 report titled From Code to Capital: The UAE’s FinTech Revolution, developed in partnership with PwC.
The report, which was previewed at the Dubai FinTech Summit 2025, provides a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of the UAE’s rapidly evolving fintech sector.
Positioned as an industry-wide outlook, the FinTech 2025 Report charts the UAE’s transformation into a regional fintech hub.
The report explores key trends shaping the market, including surging digital adoption, expanding venture capital investment, and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across financial services.
Read: GCC banking sector profits hit record $15.6 billion in Q1 2025 on higher non-interest income
UAE leading the way in fintech
Neeraj Makin, group head of strategy, analytics and venture capital at Emirates NBD, said: “We are proud to launch the FinTech 2025 Report, showcasing the UAE’s success as a fintech hub, supported by Emirates NBD’s innovation. The UAE’s $265 million of fintech funding in 2024 signals strong investor confidence. Bolstered by a robust venture capital network, diverse talent, and clear exit paths, the UAE is primed to attract even greater investment and cultivate future fintech leaders.”
According to the report, fintech startups in the UAE attracted around $265 million in 2024 – approximately one-third of total startup funding in the country.
The local fintech market is expected to grow from $3.16 billion in 2024 to $5.71 billion by 2029, powered by widespread consumer adoption, investor confidence, and strong partnerships across public and private sectors.
Dynamic fintech sector
Miguel Rio-Tinto, group chief digital and information officer at Emirates NBD, said: “Emirates NBD is proud to help drive the fintech revolution in the region through strategic partnerships, in-house innovation and venture investments. With this report, we demonstrate how established banks can leverage fintech for growth, efficiency and superior customer experiences.
“As the industry continues to evolve, we remain committed to building an open, collaborative ecosystem that delivers long-term value to our customers and the wider financial sector.”
Stephen Anderson, strategy leader at PwC Middle East, said: “This report illuminates the dynamic fintech landscape within Dubai. We see a region transformed by innovation, driven by technology and visionary strategies. Our commitment is to empower clients, partners, and communities to thrive in this smarter, connected financial future and the UAE is at the forefront of this revolution.”
Technology’s vital role
The report also underscores the transformative role of AI in redefining financial services — from personalized banking experiences to enhanced risk modeling and compliance processes.
Emirates NBD’s transition to AI-powered operations has already delivered significant gains in efficiency, control, and scalability.
Looking ahead, the FinTech 2025 Report calls for deeper collaboration between traditional banks and emerging startups. It advocates for the adoption of open APIs, regulatory sandboxes, and co-branded innovation models to sustain industry momentum and maximize customer impact.
As the UAE cements its status as a fintech trailblazer, the report provides a strategic roadmap for stakeholders across the ecosystem to drive innovation, investment, and inclusive financial growth.
