The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a 110-hectare mixed-use district located in the heart of Dubai. Established in 2004 as a free economic zone under the initiative of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, DIFC has grown over the past two decades into one of the world’s leading financial centres.
The district offers a transparent, stable, and secure business environment with world-class infrastructure. DIFC operates under an independent legal framework based on English common law, while financial regulation is overseen by the autonomous Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA). The district also has its own judicial system — the DIFC Courts.
As of early 2025, DIFC was home to over 6,900 entities — from banks and investment funds to insurance firms, law practices, and consulting companies. It serves as the main financial hub for the MEASA region (Middle East, Africa, and South Asia), providing businesses with access to 77 markets across the region.
DIFC is a fully integrated district, home not only to offices but also to high-end residential complexes, luxury hotels, restaurants, art venues, retail outlets, and social infrastructure.
