Industry News & Insights

Dubai has announced a major AED100bn ($27.2bn) expansion of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) with the launch of the DIFC Zabeel District, a development designed to strengthen the emirate’s position as a leading global financial hub.

Launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the DIFC Zabeel District will consolidate DIFC’s status as the foremost financial centre across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, while reinforcing Dubai’s appeal as a global business and lifestyle destination.

The DIFC Zabeel District represents the largest demand-led expansion of a financial centre in the region. It spans a site area of 7.1 million square feet, with a total gross floor area of 17.7 million square feet. The estimated gross development value exceeds AED100bn ($27.2bn).

The expansion is expected to significantly enhance Dubai’s global standing by integrating advanced business infrastructure with high-quality living environments, further positioning the city as a preferred destination for international companies and talent.

The development will enable DIFC to scale its operations to accommodate more than 42,000 companies and a workforce exceeding 125,000 people. More than one million square feet will be dedicated to future technologies and artificial intelligence. The district will also feature state-of-the-art facilities for business, innovation, education and residential living, strengthening DIFC’s role as a central driver of Dubai’s economy and a key link between Eastern and Western markets.

The launch also highlighted the transformation of the financial services sector since DIFC was established in 2004, recognising its evolution into a world-class global finance and investment destination.

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, and President of DIFC, said the DIFC Zabeel District reflects the leadership’s commitment to developing a comprehensive financial ecosystem that integrates infrastructure with strong regulatory frameworks to support sustainable growth.

The project aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the emirate’s economy by 2033 and position Dubai among the world’s top four global financial centres. The expansion is a strategic milestone in DIFC’s long-term growth, supporting rapid expansion among financial and technology firms through a flexible and innovation-driven business environment.

The launch ceremony also marked DIFC’s more than 20-year journey under the theme “Tomorrow Begins Here,” tracing its development from its inception in 2004 to its current role as a global financial hub with advanced governance and infrastructure.

The DIFC Zabeel District is expected to double DIFC’s overall capacity, supporting more than 42,000 businesses and a workforce exceeding 125,000.

Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, said the expansion will reshape the financial industry across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, accelerate DIFC’s contribution to Dubai’s economic growth, and create new opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs.

Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, noted that the expansion will enhance Dubai’s global competitiveness and establish the foundations for the next phase of global finance, attracting international financial expertise and talent while promoting a balance between work and wellbeing.

As part of the expansion, more than one million square feet will be allocated to what is planned to be the world’s largest innovation hub and the world’s first purpose-built artificial intelligence campus. Tripling in size, the Innovation Hub will support over 6,000 businesses and 30,000 technology specialists. It will also include a Gaming and Immersive Technologies Hub aimed at positioning Dubai as a centre for next-generation gaming, simulation and digital content creation.

In line with Dubai’s Education 33 strategy, DIFC will become the UAE’s leading hub for further education and a global destination for higher education, attracting top-tier universities ranked among the world’s top 25 in the QS World University Rankings. The DIFC Academy will expand tenfold to 370,000 square feet, providing capacity for up to 50,000 learners annually.

The development will also feature a first-of-its-kind art pavilion, strengthening DIFC’s role as a cultural destination with dedicated spaces for landmark artworks and architectural installations.

The DIFC Zabeel District will comprise a mix of commercial and residential developments centred around a central boulevard, alongside a conference centre, hotels, premium retail offerings and advanced technology infrastructure. Landscaped open spaces with greenery and biodiversity will be integrated throughout the district to promote healthier working, living and social environments.

Linked to the existing DIFC Gate District via a signature bridge, the new district will seamlessly extend DIFC’s urban footprint. The project will be delivered in six phases, with the district expected to open to the public in 2030 and the full masterplan scheduled for completion by 2040. Construction on the first phase is currently underway.