KARACHI: Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC) Innovation Hub said this week it will expand the Dubai FinTech Summit to Pakistan for the first time, partnering with the Pakistan Digital Authority (PDA) to host the event on August 18–19, 2026.

The move marks the first international expansion of the UAE-based summit and reflects growing financial and regulatory engagement between the two countries at a time when Pakistan is seeking to scale its digital economy and attract cross-border investment.

Pakistan has seen rising fintech activity over the past two years, with funding reaching $52.5 million in the first half of 2025 and 450 fintech companies collectively raising $391 million in venture capital by late November 2025, according to official data. However, the dominance of cash transactions and infrastructure constraints continue to limit sector-wide digital adoption.

“We are pleased to expand the Dubai FinTech Summit to Pakistan, a rapidly emerging FinTech hub,” Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, was quoted as saying in a statement on Monday. 

He said the expansion aimed to strengthen cross-border innovation links between the UAE and South Asia and position Pakistan within the broader global financial technology ecosystem.

Organizers said the Pakistan FinTech Summit is expected to draw more than 10,000 participants and up to 150 sponsors and exhibitors, making it one of the largest financial innovation gatherings held in the country.

Pakistan’s Minister of IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja said the decision showed international confidence in the country’s digital reform trajectory.

“DIFC’s decision to convene its flagship FinTech platform under the Pakistan brand is a strong signal of global trust in Pakistan’s emerging digital financial ecosystem,” she said.

The Dubai FinTech Summit has helped position Dubai as a top-four ranked global FinTech center under the Global Financial Centers Index, according to the statement. The Pakistan edition is expected to feature investment announcements, regulatory dialogue and startup showcases aimed at strengthening regional financial integration.

Established under the Digital Nation Pakistan Act 2025, the Pakistan Digital Authority serves as the country’s central body for digital policy, data and AI governance, and national digital infrastructure coordination.