Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has officially launched the DIFC Zabeel District, a landmark US$27 billion (AED100 billion) expansion of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The ambitious project is set to nearly triple the financial hub’s footprint, reinforcing Dubai’s stature as a premier centre for finance, technology, and innovation in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region.
The new district will span a gross floor area of 17.7 million square feet, designed to accommodate over 42,000 companies and a workforce exceeding 125,000 professionals.
A Vision for Global Finance and Innovation
The expansion aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033 and position Dubai among the top four global financial centres. The DIFC Zabeel District is a cornerstone of this strategy, creating a comprehensive ecosystem that integrates business infrastructure with a high quality of life.
“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,” said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid. “DIFC Zabeel District is a key step towards advancing the financial sector in Dubai and worldwide. It is the nexus of investment and innovation.”
Pioneering Future Technologies
A core component of the expansion is its significant focus on future technologies. The district will dedicate more than one million square feet to tech and innovation, featuring the world’s first purpose-built AI Campus.
This campus is designed to support over 6,000 businesses and 30,000 technology professionals. The development will also include a dedicated Gaming and Immersive Technologies Hub, further establishing Dubai’s role in next-generation digital content and creative industries.
An Integrated Urban Ecosystem
Beyond its financial and technological ambitions, the DIFC Zabeel District is master-planned as a fully integrated urban destination. The design focuses on connectivity, sustainability, and integrated living, seamlessly linking to the existing DIFC Gate District via a central boulevard and a signature bridge.
The district will feature a mix of commercial and residential spaces, with offices accounting for 44 percent of the area and residential properties making up 35 percent. The remaining space will be allocated to hotels, retail offerings, a conference centre, an art pavilion, and extensive public green spaces designed to promote wellbeing and social connection. Education is another key pillar, with the DIFC Academy set to expand tenfold to accommodate up to 50,000 learners annually.
Phased Development and Economic Impact
The project will be delivered in six phases, with the first phase already under construction. The public is expected to gain access to the new district starting in 2030, with the masterplan scheduled for full completion by 2040.
The development will be financed through DIFC’s own revenues and international capital market borrowings, signaling a major demand-led expansion poised to significantly boost Dubai’s economy and its global competitiveness.
About Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region. Established in 2004, it is a financial free zone with an independent regulatory and judicial system. DIFC provides a world-class platform for financial institutions, fintech companies, and professional services firms to operate and grow, connecting the region’s markets with the economies of Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Source: Fintech News Middle East
