DIFC Zabeel District, a landmark expansion of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), was launched on Tuesday by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
With an estimated gross development value exceeding AED100 billion ($27.2 billion), the district will consolidate its status as the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, while also reinforcing Dubai’s stature as the region’s preferred business and lifestyle destination, a WAM news agency report said.
DIFC Zabeel District is the largest demand-led expansion of a financial centre in the region, encompassing a massive site area of 7.1 million sq ft and total gross floor area of 17.7 million sq ft.
Futuristic projects
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said: “Dubai continues to enhance its status as a leading global business and finance hub by launching landmark, futuristic projects that provide a comprehensive ecosystem integrating business requirements with high quality of life. This has made Dubai the preferred destination for businesses and talent worldwide.”
“Dubai is a story of ambition that knows no bounds, writing its chapters with future-forward achievements and a determination stemming from the belief that building the future is a time-sensitive responsibility. In Dubai, we do not wait for change, we make it. We transform dreams into a reality that speaks the language of leadership,” he affirmed.
HH Sheikh Mohammed added: “DIFC Zabeel District is a key step towards advancing the financial sector in Dubai and worldwide. The new district will see DIFC surge in scale to accommodate over 42,000 companies, a workforce exceeding 125,000, and more than one million square feet of space dedicated to future technologies and AI. It will also offer state-of-the-art spaces for business, innovation, education, and residential living. DIFC is the pulsing heart of Dubai’s economy and the bridge connecting East and West. It is the nexus of investment and innovation.”
His Highness praised the transformation of the financial services industry in Dubai since DIFC opened in 2004, and commended DIFC’s leadership for their commitment to driving a new era for global finance and positioning Dubai as a world-leading financial and investment destination.
A ceremony held on site in Zabeel, adjacent to the existing DIFC Gate District, marked the public launch of the DIFC Zabeel District development.
DIFC’s legacy of more than 20 years of success in facilitating trade and investment flows into Dubai was highlighted at the ceremony, represented by the theme ‘Tomorrow Begins Here’, outlining the journey of DIFC from its launch in 2004 to its remarkable progress as a global finance hub with world-class infrastructure and governance.
The ceremony offered a complete visualisation of the future of DIFC Zabeel District, which is set to double DIFC’s capacity to more than 42,000 businesses and a workforce of over 125,000.
The DIFC Zabeel District expansion marks a bold new chapter for future technologies, with over 1 million sq ft being allocated to the world’s largest innovation hub and world’s first purpose-built AI Campus.
Innovation Hub
Tripling in scale, the Innovation Hub will anchor Dubai’s digital economy ambitions, along with a pioneering AI Campus. The facilities are being custom designed to meet the future needs of over 6,000 businesses and 30,000 tech specialists, enabling breakthroughs in AI development and commercial innovation. Complementing this, the District will include a Gaming & Immersive Technologies Hub to establish Dubai as a powerhouse for next generation gaming, simulation, and digital content creation.
In line with Dubai’s ambitious Education 33 (E33) strategy, DIFC will be positioned as the UAE’s leading hub for further education, and a leading global destination for higher education by attracting world class universities ranked among the top 25 in the QS World University Rankings.
The DIFC Academy will grow ten-fold to 370,000 sq ft creating a capacity for 50,000 learners annually.
The expansion will also feature a first-of-its-kind art pavilion deepening DIFC’s standing as Dubai’s home to art and culture. Specific sites will be designed for landmark pieces of art and architecture.
The DIFC Zabeel District will offer a mix of commercial and residential spaces anchored from a central boulevard, a conference centre, hotels, upscale retail offerings, and cutting-edge technology infrastructure.
The community’s uniquely curated open spaces will be filled with abundant levels of greenery and thriving biodiversity, underpinning healthier working, living and social connections. The design philosophy of the expansion revolves around fostering connectivity and easily accessible integrated living. Connected to the existing DIFC Gate District by a signature bridge, the new expansion will form a seamless continuation of DIFC’s institutional and urban fabric.
Six Phases
Consisting of six phases, DIFC Zabeel District is expected to welcome the public in 2030 with the masterplan expected to be complete in 2040. Work is now underway to prepare the first phase. The district’s prime location provides exceptional connectivity to key landmarks and infrastructure, whilst an integrated, continuous loop will promote wellness and connectivity. The expansion will facilitate access to futuristic transport.
Through meticulous urban planning including enhancements by the RTA to provide easy access, iconic architectural design, and deep commitment to sustainability, the DIFC Zabeel District provides a vibrant and inclusive hub for innovation, collaboration, creativity, excellence and growth.
DIFC is currently the region’s only financial centre operating at scale across all business sectors. At the heart of this vision is a distinct identity, positioning DIFC Zabeel District as a dynamic destination for both investors and Dubai residents.
