DIFC Dubai International Financial Centre

About DIFC Dubai International Financial Centre

DIFC: Dubai's Premier Financial Hub

DIFC, Dubai's business hub and the leading financial center for the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa, comprises tall, high-end buildings, wide streets full of professionals with briefcases, and entrepreneur meetings in top-class restaurants or cafés. This is typically the vibe that hits you once you cross the Gate, the impressive main entrance of the DIFC Dubai area.

Beyond Business

This area has much more than the typical fancy business square that appears from the surface. Instead, it's a mixed-use community providing a high-end residential area full of shopping, leisure, and service options besides its business hub.

A splendid avenue lined with the best restaurants in the city and the top names in the world, you will be able to have an exceptional dining experience and try the flavors of the best kitchens from different parts of the world. The area is filled with pleasant surprises of stunning scenery and fantastic art pieces that would catch your eye wherever you look.

The underground space of the Gate is called the Avenue, and it's a marketplace of luxury brands and high-end global shops. It's considered the lavish mall in the area. But again, in DIFC, there is always more to the thing than you expect. The mall could be viewed as a significant art exhibition with many galleries and ateliers it hosts. DIFC Dubai may be the favorite place for art lovers, as it is for professionals.

Residential Profile

The area is a complex of tall buildings and skyscrapers that contain the offices of more than two thousand active registered companies. In addition, some luxurious residential buildings are surrounded by manicured green areas and open spaces.

Preferred By

The neighborhood best suits those who prefer living in a vibrant environment in urban city life. It can be the perfect haven for professionals who work in nearby areas like Dubai Old Town. The community offers several elegant studios and 1-bedroom apartments—the most sought-after type of residence by single people and young couples.

On the other hand, the area is very well served with different kinds of facilities that families consider essential, making it suitable for them as well.

Transportation In DIFC

DIFC is performing well in terms of transportation, with two metro stations within walking distance from the neighborhood, besides the availability of taxis and several bus lines.

DIFC's location is conveniently close to the city's attractions and central areas. It's only a 6-9 minute drive to Downtown Dubai. You can easily use the metro from one of the closest metro stations, the Financial Center metro station and Emirates Towers metro station to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro station to find yourself in the city's center in less than 5 minutes.

Entertainment In DIFC

With the shops and galleries you can visit, the stunning streets and squares you can walk and stroll, and the events or street bands you can catch, you will never get bored in DIFC. Nonetheless, when you seek a change of scenery, all of Dubai's attractions are within reach of you. You can visit Dubai Downtown anytime to enjoy an opera show or Dubai Mall and its marvelous fountain as it's just 5 minutes away.

Schools And Education Institutions In DIFC

DIFC provides some nurseries and preschools for the youngsters, so families with kids can rest as they won't need to go elsewhere for school pick-ups. The older kids can follow school and high school in one of the nearby areas, 5-10 minutes away.

Some of the closest schools and preschools to the residential area:

• Hummingbird Preschool DIFC
• Best Kidz Nursery
• GEMS Wellington Primary School
• London Business School Dubai Center

Health Care In DIFC

Several health care centers like clinics and hospitals are available in DIFC, so you don't have to go far for check-ups or in case of emergency. The closest ones are:

• IMC Medical Center
• La Clinique DIFC
• The Clinic
• Al Zahra Medical Center (less than 15-minute drive)
• Interhealth Canada Limited
• Oriana Hospital (around 20 minutes)

Buying Property

DIFC is close to leisure and work centers at the same time. This has attracted the attention of buyers looking for apartments, where you will find a wide range of apartments for sale in DIFC, all with modern and high-end designs. It has all the services and amenities you want

at prices commensurate with the quality of the equipment and its significant returns. You can choose from:

• Studios
• Two-bedroom apartments
• Three-bedroom apartments
• Luxury penthouses

The average price of a two-bedroom apartment for sale in DIFC is AED 2.25 million. Studios for sale in DIFC may reach AED 1.3 million. The prices vary based on several criteria, such as the number of rooms, spaces, and towers you want to live in and the views you choose.

These apartments are equipped with modern facilities such as high-end restaurants and cafes, many retailers, malls and international brands, famous hotels and resorts, museums, art galleries, fitness and beauty centers, sports clubs, parking lots, and shops.

Renting Property In DIFC

DIFC is ideally located close to most places, markets, and vital trading centers within Dubai, such as Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Mall, and Burj Khalifa. That attracts many tourists and buyers from around the world.

You will find extensive options of apartments for rent in DIFC, ranging from studios, one-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom apartments or three-bedroom apartments, villas, luxury penthouses, and many more.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment can be around AED 80,000 and for two-bedroom apartments up to AED 118,000.

Many people want to live in DIFC because it is considered a commercial center with a range of hotels, luxury exhibitions, restaurants, and quality rental apartments. Those mentioned meet the expectations of all customers looking for a high-end lifestyle full of leisure options from health centers, restaurants, shops, supermarkets, parking, fitness, and beauty centers.

Popular Buildings In DIFC

DIFC is known for its luxury residential apartments and buildings. One of the most famous buildings is the Index Tower DIFC Dubai, one of the top 6 buildings in DIFC, in addition to Park Towers and Sky Gardens Tower.

Hotels In DIFC

There are many luxury hotels in DIFC, such as:

• The Ritz-Carlton DIFC: a 5-star hotel offering high-end services such as fitness centers and luxury restaurants with glamorous views
• Four Seasons Hotel: has all the benefits and facilities visitors need for a comfortable stay, from restaurants, luxury facilities, and swimming pools

Getting Around

DIFC provides an upscale lifestyle for individuals and families. You'll find everything you fancy, from high-end restaurants, cafes, retailers, and malls with many international brands and popular hotels. There are also several museums, art exhibitions, fitness and beauty centers.

For example, the Gate Building is one of the essential features of DIFC because of its unique and high-end design, making it the best option for holding exhibitions.

Many famous restaurants include:

• Bento (Japanese cuisine)
• ShanghaiMe
• La Petite Maison Healthy Meals
• Royal China Restaurant

The closest beach is JBR Beach. There are also many options for museums and galleries, like The Arts Club and Andakulova Gallery.

Upcoming Attractions In DIFC

DIFC is one of the most important commercial destinations in Dubai. This vast project is expected to nearly triple in size by 2025, when the number of residential areas, office space for work, and leisure facilities will increase. It is moving towards more funding and facilities by the Government of Dubai and other organizations.

Things To Consider In DIFC

Those living in DIFC Dubai enjoy many perks. However, there are some things to consider when moving to DIFC, such as traffic congestion. The lack of options for schools nearby also makes it an undesirable choice for families with school-going children.

Lifestyle And Amenities In DIFC

There is no shortage of dining options in Dubai International Financial Centre. There are a variety of restaurants to choose from, serving a wide range of cuisines:

• ShanghaiMe and La Cantine du Faubourg: popular outdoor restaurants with a friendly atmosphere
• Gazebo: authentic North Indian cuisine
• 1762 The Gourmet Deli Co.: healthy food options
• La Petite Maison: French delicacies
• Royal China Restaurant and Zuma Restaurant: Asian cuisine
• Miyabi Sushi and Bento: Japanese restaurants on a budget
• Other international options: Beefbar, Al Mandaloun, Dusty's, and more

If you are on a gluten-free diet and have a sweet tooth, Healthy Patisserie in DAMAC Park Towers is a great option for vegan desserts in Dubai. Coffee lovers will also find a home here, with Caffe Bateel, Costa Coffee, Caffe Nero, Mercato, Panifico, and Caribou Coffee all located in DIFC.

Art & Culture

In DIFC, you will have a great time as the region is home to some of the best galleries in Dubai:

• The Empty Quarter: exclusively features fine art photography from internationally renowned photographers
• The Arts Club: a London-based club that has its first international outpost in this area
• Andakulova Gallery: showcases contemporary visual art from Central Asia
• Christie's: a gallery of extraordinary art that has held some of the most famous auctions
• Opera Gallery: spectacular and internationally renowned

Shopping

Gate Avenue is a popular fashion and retail destination with many shops, including:

• Sacoor Brothers
• Suit Supply
• Black Amber
• His and Hers
• Fiori Jewels
• Collars and Cuffs

Residents of DIFC can easily satisfy their shopping needs as it is only 8-10 minutes away from the city's expansive shopping and leisure complex -- The Dubai Mall.

Future Developments In DIFC

The development is set to triple in size by 2025. As per the DIFC 2.0 plan, which was approved by Dubai's ruler His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2019, the expansion of the neighborhood will be carried out in multiple phases. The expansion will include new residential projects, retail space, office space, and leisure destinations.

Notable Landmarks In DIFC

The Gate is the most prominent landmark in DIFC, and the adjacent Gate Village is a hub for art galleries and fine dining. Al Mandaloun, one of Dubai's top group-friendly eateries, can be found here. Right beneath The Gate is the Marble Walk, which offers takeaway meals, essential services, and retail convenience. The Balcony, a terrace surrounding The Gate with casual dining options, is another notable feature. Additionally, Gate Village 4 and 6 feature some of the best private dining restaurants in the city, including Gaia and Hutong.

Master Developer: DIFC Authority

The master developer of DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) is the DIFC Authority, a government entity established specifically to develop and oversee the Dubai International Financial Centre. The DIFC Authority is responsible for urban planning & real estate development, business licensing, community management, and ensuring the area aligns with Dubai's vision as a global financial hub.

Unlike Emaar's Downtown Dubai (which is more lifestyle + luxury focused), DIFC is a financial free zone with its own legal system and courts, regulatory body (DFSA -- Dubai Financial Services Authority), and independent arbitration and dispute resolution system. It attracts banks, law firms, hedge funds, VC firms, family offices, and fintech startups.

While it's finance-first, DIFC has also developed into a high-end lifestyle district with luxury apartments and offices, fine dining (Zuma, Gaia, LPM, etc.), and art galleries, pop-ups, and cultural events.