Kuwait joins top 100 global financial hubs, secures sixth place in Gulf
In the Arab world, Dubai ranked first and tenth globally, followed by Abu Dhabi in second place and 20th globally, then Doha in third at 68th globally, Riyadh in fourth at 77th globally, and Manama in fifth at 84th globally.
• New York ranked as the world’s most influential financial center for 2025, with Singapore and London taking second and third places, while Amsterdam and Hong Kong followed in fourth and fifth.
Kuwait ranks sixth in the Gulf and 100th globally among the world’s most influential financial centers for 2025, according to Al Rai newspaper.
In the Arab world, Dubai ranked first and tenth globally, followed by Abu Dhabi in second place and 20th globally, then Doha in third at 68th globally, Riyadh in fourth at 77th globally, and Manama in fifth at 84th globally.
For decades, global financial centers have played a crucial role in capital market activities. The International Financial Centers Index (IFCI) is a widely recognized benchmark for comparing the competitiveness of leading financial centers worldwide, published by the American magazine CEW World in collaboration with the CIO Policy Institute.
These financial centers share key characteristics, including infrastructure that supports billions of transactions and regulatory frameworks that promote market transparency
According to a recent report by the American magazine, New York was ranked as the world’s most influential financial center for 2025, with Singapore and London taking second and third places, while Amsterdam and Hong Kong followed in fourth and fifth.
Zurich, Paris, Luxembourg, Tokyo, and Dubai were ranked sixth through tenth, respectively, in the latest International Financial Centers Index (IFCI).
The IFCI provides an accurate assessment of global financial centers’ competitiveness, based on data collected directly from a comprehensive questionnaire and over 50 reliable indicators, including sources such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the World Bank, and the Economist Intelligence Unit. Compiled by the magazine, this trusted index ranks 115 financial centers worldwide, drawing on insights from thousands of financial services professionals and global bankers.
A financial center is defined as a city or region strategically positioned within the financial industry, concentrating various sector participants—including banks, trading firms, exchanges, and other institutions—in one location. Such centers are distinguished by strong infrastructure, stable regulatory and political environments, attractive tax policies, and ample opportunities that drive trade and business growth.
