All About Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of Dubai’s most vibrant locations, bridging the city’s old and new parts. The strategic location, world-class infrastructure and vibrant lifestyle make DIFC an attractive choice. Let’s explore what living in DIFC entails.

• Location
• Transportation Modes
• Infrastructure
• Residential Properties
• Commercial Sector
• Entertainment
• Restaurants
• Shopping
• Wellness
• Innovation Hub
• DIFC Family Wealth Centre
• DIFC Academy
• Pros and Cons of Living in DIFC
• FAQs

Overview of DIFC

DIFC has rapidly transformed into one of the world’s most popular residential and commercial hubs. 

Location

DIFC’s prime location grants direct access to Sheikh Zayed Road, allowing residents and visitors to easily reach major destinations. Such key spots include Dubai International Airport, Jebel Ali Port and the renowned Dubai Mall. 

This accessibility is further enhanced by the area’s proximity to top-tier schools and healthcare facilities. This makes it an ideal choice for professionals and families.

Transportation Modes

You can easily commute to DIFC from different parts of the city. For those commuting by car, DIFC provides ample parking and valet services, ensuring convenience. Dubai’s public transport users benefit from the area being served by two metro stations on the Red Line. These are the Emirates Tower and Financial Centre stations, offering easy access to various parts of the city. 

Additionally, exclusive discounts through Careem enhance the commuting experience. They offer comfortable transportation at a fraction of the cost for rides to and from the Centre.

Infrastructure

DIFC is renowned for its world-class infrastructure. The district boasts modern buildings, wide roads and efficient utilities. Also, the focus on sustainability and smart city technologies is evident throughout the area.

Residential Properties

Living in DIFC offers a luxurious and convenient lifestyle. The district features a wide range of residential options, from stylish apartments to opulent penthouses. Moreover, residents enjoy top-notch amenities such as swimming pools, gyms and 24-hour security.

The average prices of apartments for rent in DIFC are detailed below:

Besides, the most popular locations that have apartments for sale in DIFC are:

• Sky Gardens
• Index Tower
• Burj Daman
• Limestone House
• Liberty House

Commercial Sector

As a leading financial hub, DIFC is home to numerous multinational corporations, law firms, and financial institutions. The commercial properties in DIFC are designed to meet the needs of global businesses. They offer state-of-the-art office spaces, meeting rooms, and conference facilities.

One of the standout features of DIFC’s commercial offerings is its comprehensive suite of services. DIFC acts as a single point of contact for end-to-end client servicing. It provides an integrated platform with an independent regulatory and legal system, specialised infrastructure, and a streamlined process. 

Additionally, DIFC hosts a Government Services Office that serves as a single-window service provider. It helps obtain employment and residency permits, among other government services required by DIFC clients. 

Moreover, DIFC’s strategic location within a tax-efficient free zone provides additional benefits for businesses. It includes a zero percent corporate tax rate on qualifying income. This makes DIFC an attractive location for its infrastructure and services. It is also financially advantageous for companies looking to expand in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region.

Entertainment

DIFC is more than just a convenient business hub; it’s a destination in its own right. This place offers many entertainment options that go beyond business, catering to a diverse crowd with various interests.

1. Bespoke Ride Sports Services

Bespoke Ride (BR) Sports Services is a premier performance studio in DIFC, known for offering training programs tailored for athletes.

• Contact: +971 4 348 4288
• Location: Level GF, Gate Avenue, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, UAE
• Timings: Everyday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

2. Fiafia Play Area & Café

Fiafia Play Area & Café is a family-friendly venue designed for children aged 12 and under. It is a vibrant and stimulating space for imaginative play. 

• Contact: +971 4 222 2948
• Location: Level GF, Gate Avenue – South Zone, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, UAE
• Timings: Everyday: 08:00 am – 10:00 pm

3. YoFit Hot Studios

YoFit Hot Studios specialises in heated yoga classes. It offers a variety of Hot Yoga styles in a controlled, heated environment to enhance flexibility and promote detoxification. 

• Contact: +971 50 911 7854
• Location: Level 1, Gate Avenue, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, UAE
• Timings: Monday to Friday: 06:30 am – 09:00 pm | Saturday: 09:30 am – 07:00 pm | Sunday: 10:00 am – 08:00 pm

Restaurants

With a wide array of top-notch restaurants offering global cuisines, DIFC is perfect for those seeking world-class dining experiences. You’ll find some of the best restaurants in DIFC. Some options you should try are:

1. Wise Guys

Wise Guys offers New York deli-style sandwiches with fresh, high-quality ingredients, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

• Contact: +971 52 686 3801
• Location: Unit Gate Village 03, Unit 02A – Coffee Zone, Level GF, Gate Village Building 03, DIFC, Dubai, UAE
• Timings: Everyday: 11:30 am – 03:00 am

2. The Steak Bar

The Steak Bar serves premium USDA Prime Grade and Black Angus beef, meticulously grilled for a perfect steak experience.

• Contact: +971 4 240 8888
• Location: Unit Retail 2L2-06, Level POD, Gate Precinct Building 2, DIFC, Dubai, UAE
• Timings: Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 am – 09:00 pm | Friday to Saturday: 11:00 am – 05:00 pm

3. TurQuisine

TurQuisine offers authentic Turkish dishes, blending traditional flavours with a modern dining experience in a warm atmosphere.

• Contact: +971 4 370 0377
• Location: Floor-B1, Gate Building, DIFC, Dubai, UAE
• Timings: Sunday to Thursday: 07:00 am – 09:00 pm | Friday to Saturday: Closed

4. UCHI

UCHI is a Japanese-inspired restaurant that combines culinary artistry with a warm, home-like ambience for a unique dining experience.

• Contact: +971 4 298 5044
• Location: Unit Gate Village 03, Unit 02A – Coffee Zone, Level GF, Gate Village Building 03, DIFC, Dubai, UAE
• Timings: Sunday to Tuesday: 12:00 pm – 01:00 am | Wednesday to Saturday: 12:00 pm – 02:00 am

5. Sucre

Sucre offers contemporary Latin American cuisine, blending Argentine open-fire techniques with Italian, Spanish, and Latin American influences.

• Contact: +971 4 340 0829
• Location: Trade Centre, DIFC, Dubai, UAE
• Timings: Everyday: 12:00 pm – 02:00 am

6. Shanghai Me

Shanghai Me provides a luxurious dining experience inspired by East Asian culinary traditions, set in an elegant, history-rich ambience.

• Contact: +971 4 351 0288
• Location: The Exchange, DIFC, Dubai, UAE
• Timings: Everyday: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Art

The district is home to renowned art galleries and cultural spaces showcasing diverse collections and exhibitions from around the world. Here are some of the major art destinations in DIFC:

• AWC Art Gallery: Located in Zone C of Gate Avenue, AWC Art Gallery offers a dynamic space for contemporary art exhibitions.

• Boccara Art Gallery: Situated in Gate Avenue, Zone C, Boccara Art Gallery specialises in modern and contemporary art. It features works from both emerging and established artists.

• Christie’s: A globally recognised auction house, Christie’s in Gate Village is a must-visit for collectors and enthusiasts interested in valuable artworks.

• Farjam Art Foundation: Located on Gate Avenue, Zone C, this foundation is known for its impressive collection of Islamic, Iranian, and contemporary art.

Shopping

From high-end fashion to everyday essentials, DIFC provides a shopping experience that combines luxury with convenience. Here are some of the popular shopping outlets in DIFC:

1. Fashion and Accessories

• Apparel: Cole Haan, Collars & Cuffs, Gerry Weber, Lapels Bespoke, Melissia Abaya, Mischief Fashions, Sartoria Rossi, Scuzi?, Suitsupply, The Gentleman’s Community, The Suit Station, XOR
• Jewellery: Cara Jewellers, Damas, Fiori Jewels, High Street Jewelry, Meraki Gems and Jewellery, Perpétuel, Rivoli Arcade, Watchbox
• Accessories: Ascots & Chapels, Hathi Store, Miin, Naseej Concept Store, The Editor’s Market

2. Beauty and Wellness

• Perfumes: Perfumery By Villa 515, Trudon
• Optics: Novax Vision, Visual Optics

3. Home and Lifestyle

• Home Decor: Maison7, Officina Italiana Trading
• Flowers: Azalee Flower Boutique, Bliss Flower Boutique, Maison des Fleurs
• Others: Mumuso

4 Supermarket

• Carrefour Market, Choithrams, Hard Soda

5. Electronics and Gadgets

• Electronics: Timezone

Wellness

DIFC is home to an array of wellness centres and clinics. It provides a variety of services to cater to the health and fitness needs of its community. Here are some of the wellness destinations in DIFC:

1. Atelier Hommage

• Location: Unit TB1-32 (Type C), Floor B1, Gate Building, DIFC, Dubai, UAE
• Contact: +971 4 321 2381
• Timings: Everyday: 09:00 am – 10:00 pm

2. BR Performance Studio

• Location: Level Podium, Gate Precinct Building 3, DIFC, Dubai, UAE
• Contact: +971 4 564 7439
• Timings: Monday to Friday: 06:30 am – 10:00 pm | Saturday to Sunday: 08:00 am – 10:00 pm

3. Japanese Beauty Clinic 

• Location: Marble Walk, Gate District, DIFC, Dubai, UAE
• Contact: +971 54 763 4767
• Timings: Monday to Saturday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Closed on Sunday

4. Fitness First

• Location: Level Podium, Gate Precinct Building 3, DIFC, Dubai, UAE
• Contact: +971 04 363 7444
• Timings: Sunday to Thursday: 06:00 am – 11:00 pm | Friday and Saturday: 09:00 am – 10:00 pm

5. Skin111 Medical & Aesthetic Clinic 

• Location: Gate Village 7, DIFC, Opposite of Empower, Road 312, Dubai, UAE
• Contact: +971 54 448 8611
• Timings: Monday – Sunday: 09:00 am – 09:00 pm

Other than these, there are many service providers with their branch offices in DIFC. Some of the popular ones are:

1. FedEx

• Location: Unit 17, Level 1, Gate Building, DIFC, Dubai, UAE
• Contact: 800 0150001
• Timings: Everyday: 10:00 am – 02:00 pm and 03:00 pm – 10:00 pm

2. ATI Solutions

• Location: Level B1, Gate District, Gate Building, DIFC, Dubai, UAE
• Contact: +971 50 550 0893
• Timings: Sunday – Thursday: 09:00 am – 06:00 pm | Closed on Friday and Saturday

3. Galadari Motor Driving Centre

• Location: Unit 17, Level 1, Gate Building, DIFC, Dubai, UAE
• Contact: 600 595956
• Timings: Everyday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

4. Humming Bird Early Learning Centre

• Location: Unit 5L2-056, Level POD, Gate Precinct Building 5, DIFC, Dubai, UAE
• Contact: +971 4 370 0449
• Timings: Monday – Friday: 07:00 am – 07:00 pm

Innovation Hub

The DIFC Innovation Hub stands as the largest financial innovation ecosystem in the MEASA region. It houses over 1,000 tech firms, digital labs, venture capitalists, and educational institutions. 

Key features of the Innovation Hub include accelerator programs designed to support FinTech, InsurTech, RegTech and Islamic FinTech start-ups. The Hub provides essential resources such as licensing, co-working spaces, a supportive regulatory framework, and a community of like-minded innovators. 

Notably, it is home to the region’s first and largest FinTech accelerator. This makes it an ideal environment for growth-stage tech firms to capitalise on opportunities and advance innovation.

DIFC Family Wealth Centre

The DIFC Family Wealth Centre (DFWC) is dedicated to supporting global family businesses and Ultra High Net Worth Individuals (UHNWIs). Positioned in a region with significant private wealth growth, DFWC offers tailored services to ensure the longevity of family businesses.

DIFC Academy

The DIFC Academy is a premier educational institution dedicated to building a knowledge-based economy aligned with the UAE Vision 2021. By partnering with world-renowned institutions, the Academy offers a wide range of financial services training.

Pros and Cons of Living in DIFC

The pros and cons of living in DIFC are detailed below:

Pros

Many of the pros of living in DIFC include:

• Prime Location: Access to key destinations like Dubai International Airport and Jebel Ali Port.
• World-Class Infrastructure: Modern, sustainable buildings, wide roads, efficient utilities, and smart city technologies.
• Luxurious Residential Options: Upscale properties with top-notch amenities.
• Vibrant Lifestyle and Entertainment: A lively community with diverse entertainment options, world-class restaurants, and cultural attractions.
• Financial and Business Hub: A tax-efficient environment ideal for financial and legal professionals.
• Comprehensive Public Transportation: Easy commuting with two metro stations and ample parking.
• Shopping and Dining: Premium shopping and dining experiences with high-end fashion outlets and gourmet restaurants.

Cons

The cons of living in DIFC are quite a few, including: 

• Congested Traffic

Like many central locations, DIFC can experience heavy traffic, especially during peak hours. However, its excellent public transportation options and convenient parking facilities help mitigate this issue.

• Lack of Beaches

While DIFC does not offer direct beach access, residents can easily visit nearby beaches in Dubai, such as Jumeirah Beach. This ensures that those craving a beach day can still enjoy the sun and sand without much hassle.

FAQs

That is all about living in DIFC, along with its pros and cons. In this premier financial district, you can experience the best of Dubai’s luxury and convenience.

Looking for investment options in DIFC? Explore these off-plan and new projects for sale in DIFC!

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