The UAE is distinguishing itself in financial inclusion, showing impressive progress fueled by fintech innovation, digital finance adoption, and strong policy commitments.
The 2025 Global Financial Inclusion Index (GFII), created by Principal Financial Group with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), ranks the UAE 22nd globally—one of just three markets to rise more than one position this year.
According to the Index, the UAE achieved the largest global improvement in the “financial-system support” category, moving up five places with a score increase of 1.9 points. It also saw the greatest jump worldwide in fintech development, climbing seven positions to 14th, as over 320 fintech companies, valued at more than $3 billion, expand under the Digital Economy Strategy 2022.
The access-to-capital metric surged 16.6 points, indicating robust SME growth and private sector confidence.
In consumer protection, the UAE now ranks 4th globally after a 6.9-point gain and is among the top globally (6th) for government-provided financial education. Improving financial literacy from 32% to 50% could boost cumulative GDP growth by 0.5 percentage points from 2026-29.
These results align with broader global data. The World Bank noted that in 2021, 84.56% of UAE adults had accounts at formal financial institutions, among the highest in the region and well above the global average of about 66%. The UAE Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) have introduced a National Financial Inclusion Strategy and National Financial Literacy Strategy following a May 2025 policy forum in Abu Dhabi.
“In the UAE, bold investment in fintech and financial-literacy programs accelerates inclusion, resilience, and growth,” said Kamal Bhatia, President & CEO of Principal Asset Management. “This is not just about digital access—it’s about empowering people and businesses to build stronger financial futures.”
Pushpin Singh, Cebr’s managing economist, added: “The UAE rose two spots to 22nd overall, thanks to the biggest jump in the financial-system support pillar globally… the impact is clear in the real economy: the UAE’s access-to-capital score increased by 16.6 points.”
These quantitative gains indicate significant structural changes. According to the GFII report, the UAE’s digital-finance infrastructure and fintech growth have brought financial inclusion into the mainstream. The country’s rise in fintech is supported by policies that enable data-driven financial services, regulatory backing for consumer protection, and enhanced financial literacy efforts for both individuals and businesses.
The government emphasizes the importance of affordable, accessible financial services in supporting SMEs, inclusive growth, and broader economic diversification.
While account ownership remains high, the rate slightly decreased from previous years (84.56% in 2021, down from 87.39% in 2017)—highlighting that inclusion involves more than just account opening; it also requires the effective use of services like savings, credit, insurance, and payments.
The Middle East and Central Asia region must ensure that increased access leads to meaningful economic participation, especially for lower-income households, women, and underserved communities.
Furthermore, global employer-support scores in the GFII dropped 0.6 points in 2025, with 83% of markets experiencing declines in employer-driven inclusion programs. The UAE and its region must ensure that financial-inclusion progress is backed by employment, income growth, and financial capability foundations.
Analysts suggest the UAE has progressed beyond the initial “bank the unbanked” phase into a more advanced stage of inclusion, where digital fintech platforms, regulatory frameworks, and literacy programs work together. As the country continues its long-term economic transformation, financial inclusion is emerging as a strategic tool for building a resilient, diversified, and inclusive economy.
