About Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a renowned financial centre for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia that is regulated by privacy laws and an autonomous legal system. With its cutting-edge infrastructure, world-class amenities, and support services, DIFC has a prominent place as a worldwide financial exchange. With an area of 110-hectare, the DIFC district is a premier location, referred to as the “gateway to growth”, where business meets lifestyle, offering ultra-modern workspaces, retail stores, restaurants and cafes, residential complexes, open green spaces, art galleries, and hotels.
Along with a booming business district, it also has a bustling residential area ideal for anyone looking for a contemporary suburban lifestyle. One of Dubai's top neighbourhoods, DIFC is also ideal for people who frequently travel because of its excellent public transport connections to the rest of the city. According to a "Property Market Report", the DIFC ranks among Dubai's top 5 places to find a luxury apartment for rent.
DIFC embodies urban living with its skyscrapers, diverse assortment of stores and restaurants, and well-kept contemporary amenities. There is no place for monotony in the environment created by captivating art galleries and interesting events. Additionally, due to the easily accessible location and a general sense of a contemporary environment, living in DIFC is particularly viable for working and business professionals.
It is one of the best neighbourhoods in Dubai to rent offices since it supports all types of enterprises and commercial operations with a variety of amenities, a controlled set of tax-free regimes, a common law framework, and a judiciary. A diverse array of small-, mid-, and big-sized buildings, stores, and other business and residential buildings may be found here.
Key Highlights of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
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Perfect for Singles with a Fast-paced Lifestyle
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Energetic and Contemporary Corporate Environment
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Excellent Transportation Facilities
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Ample Parking Spaces
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Easy Access to Popular Destinations
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Lack of Parks, Green Spaces or Beaches
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Not many Kid-friendly Activity Zones
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Heavy Traffic and Congested Roads
Real Estate Overview in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
With regard to the residential zone, DIFC has several apartments available for purchase and rent. These are affordable choices for working professionals in Dubai, including singles, couples, and families. Nearly all the buildings are tall because they were designed for a high-end contemporary lifestyle. A large selection of apartments is available, spanning from studios to three-bedroom homes and even luxurious penthouse suites with four or five bedrooms.
There are specialised skyscrapers and complexes in addition to mixed-use projects available in terms of commercial properties. You can find retail spaces and shops within residential buildings and a variety of commercial units in an office building solely for that purpose.
Since DIFC is Dubai's financial district, most structures are commercial buildings. Approximately 30% of the territory here is allocated for apartment towers, and around one 1/3 has been constructed.
This area is a mixed-use neighbourhood that offers a high-end residential area packed with retail, entertainment, and service options in addition to its commercial hub. The area is best suited for people who seek an active lifestyle in a big metropolis. For professionals who live or work nearby, it is an ideal retreat. The community has several attractive studio and one-bedroom apartments, the most popular choices for singles and newlyweds.
Off-Plan Trends in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
Between the Burj Khalifa and the Emirates Towers sits this 110-acre financial zone, which is divided into three districts: commercial, retail, and residential. A shopping corridor connects all three. About 60% of the properties envisioned for DIFC have already been built, with the other 40% under construction right now.
It was stated in Jan 2019 that DIFC would expand by 13 million square feet, becoming marketed as DIFC 2.0. To establish a hub for the growth of the "new economy," the Dubai Future District, which links the Dubai International Financial Center with Emirates Towers and Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC), was introduced in January 2020.
With a future economy research centre, accelerators, and incubators, as well as an inventive area for future economy pioneers, the Dubai Future District is anticipated to be the Middle East's largest district focusing on the future economy.
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Rental Trends in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
There are several options available here for apartment rentals, ranging from studios to capacious 3-bedroom homes. Among the various choices, Sky Gardens DIFC, Dubai, is one of the most significant. It is a mixed-use, 40-story tower comprising studios, 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments, and 7 luxurious double-storey penthouses. Penthouses in DIFC are furnished, unfurnished, and triplex with stunning views of Dubai city.
The rental apartments in DIFC are a model of contemporary style and opulent construction. Depending on your needs, they come in a variety of specifications. The sub-communities with residential apartments are Burj Daman, Park Towers, Central Park Towers, Limestone House, Liberty House, Index Towers, Sky Gardens, and others.
Apartments with studios, one-, two-, and three-bedrooms are available for rent in DIFC. These residential structures are completely equipped, and the tiled bathrooms combine convenience and sophistication. The kitchens are aesthetically designed and have all the essential appliances. All of the contemporary standards are well met by the apartment blocks in DIFC.
In DIFC Dubai, many stores and offices are available for rent on the commercial side. Depending on your needs, you may select between fitted, furnished, unfurnished, and partitioned flats.
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Sale Trends in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
DIFC is close to both recreational and business areas. This has helped draw in potential apartment purchasers, and as a result, many apartments for sale feature cutting-edge, contemporary architecture. It offers all the comforts and services you want at reasonable costs. A studio, a two-bedroom apartment, a three-bedroom apartment, and a luxurious penthouse are all options.
You can search for homes at Sky Gardens, Index Tower, or Burj Daman if you're interested in investing in DIFC. There are other options available to those wishing to purchase offices in DIFC.
The flats are priced in the medium to high range brackets and are completely worth it. Several factors, like the number of rooms, space, and towers you want to live in, as well as the views you choose, affect the pricing, among others.
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Public Transportation
DIFC is ideally situated with quick access to public transportation. Three metro stations, Emirates Towers, Financial Centre and Burj Khalifa Metro Stations, are within a walkable distance as they are just 1 km away. Two other metro stations, Al Jafiliya and Business Bay, are located at a distance of 2 km. Additionally, many bus lines serve the area. Taxis are also widely available; however, it might be difficult to hail one during rush hour due to their high demand.
Downtown Dubai, Dubai International Airport, and Business Bay can easily be reached by car in under 20 minutes or train in under 25 minutes from DIFC, which is well linked to the rest of Dubai by good road and rail links. Some of the main bus routes are
| Bus Line Number | Destination |
| 28 | Lamcy Plaza |
| American Hospital | |
| Central Post Office - 01 | |
| Dubai Petroleum Corporation | |
| The Dubai Mall |
Amenities
Nurseries / Educational Institutions
A façade view of Gems Wellington Primary School
Families with children may relax knowing there are nurseries and preschools available via DIFC because they won’t need to travel elsewhere to pick their children up from school. The older children can go 5–10 minutes to one of the adjacent areas to attend High School. Several of the neighbourhood’s preschools and schools include:
Nurseries
- Best Kidz Nursery
- British Orchard Nurseries in Dubai
- Hummingbird Preschool DIFC
Schools
- GEMS Wellington Primary School
- Babilou Mena
- Hartland International School
- Horizontal International School
Universities
- DIFC is famous for the DIFC Academy and London Business School Dubai Center. The DIFC Academy collaborates with some of the most prestigious organisations in the world to provide a range of alternatives, from quick certificate workshops to lengthy executive MBA courses. The London Business School Dubai is one of the top-ranked schools with exceptional results, great performance, and an outstanding global perspective.
Supermarkets
In DIFC, there are a few stores where you can make your weekly grocery purchase. Many of these stores may be located on the neighbourhood’s first floor of various buildings.
- Spinneys Supermarket
The store offers an exceptional shopping experience by combining a grocery store with fresh fruit and vegetables, bakery items, a delicatessen, and dairy items with electronics, toys, and home appliances. Spinneys developed an e-commerce platform via innovation so customers could purchase online from an extensive range of their preferred domestic and foreign brands with the same high quality, freshness, and choice. This idea makes shopping easier for many people and gives them an alternate choice if they are unable to visit the store.
- Al Maya
This supermarket sells apparel, gadgets, and home goods in addition to food. With free home delivery and round-the-clock availability, Al Maya Supermarket is a great and reliable alternative for all sorts of shoppers in the vicinity.
Healthcare Facilities
You won’t have to go far for checkups or medical emergencies, thanks to DIFC’s abundance of healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and clinics. The nearest ones can be reached in less than 15 minutes, while some may be reached in as little as 20 minutes. Some of the popular medical centres are:
- Al Zahra Medical Centre
- IMC Medical Centre
- Interhealth Canada Limited.
- La Clinique DIFC
- Oriana Hospital
Places of Worship
For people practising Islam, there are two famous mosques in DIFC, Dubai to fulfil their religious needs.
- DIFC Grand Mosque
- Ramadan Juma Mosque
For Christians, the nearest church is Dubai Seventh Day Adventist Church, which is approximately fifteen minutes away. For Hindus and Sikhs, the Shiva and Krishna temples and the Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar allow people to pray and participate in religious congregations.
Best Hotels in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
A stunning view of the swimming pool of Ritz Carlton, DIFC, Dubai
Numerous luxurious hotels provide top-notch amenities, including fitness facilities and upscale dining establishments with stunning views. The Four Seasons Hotel offers guests all the conveniences and services for a nice stay, including dining establishments, several amenities, and swimming pools. Some of the renowned hotels here are:
- Ritz Carlton
- Four Seasons
- Atlantis
- Waldorf Astoria
- Swissotel Al Muroj
Lifestyle
Shopping Centres / Malls
A magnificent view of the famous illusion waterfall inside Dubai Mall
DIFC, though being a financial centre, is popular for its huge malls and a range of shopping options. These malls offer a wide variety of shopping opportunities and activities, making it a shopaholic’s paradise. A widely anticipated location for fashion and shopping is Gate Avenue. Apart from that, inhabitants of DIFC may satisfy their need for retail therapy at The Dubai Mall; this is the city’s largest shopping and entertainment complex, which can be reached in about 8–10 minutes.
Gate Avenue
- 880 m away from DIFC, Dubai
- A tranquil, open promenade divided into three zones
Dubai Mall
- Built on a 12 million square feet area
- Over 1200 retail outlets
Restaurants / Dining
When it comes to restaurants, in DIFC, there is no dearth of them. Several restaurants cater to a wide spectrum of palates, including Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and French cuisines. Some restaurants also serve gluten-free diet, vegan, and other healthy options. Some of the top restaurants are:
- ShangaiMe
- La Cantine du Faubourg
- Gazebo
- The Gourmet Deli
- LE Petite Maison
- Zuma
- Miyabi Sushi
- Al Mandaloun
- Bento
- Royal China Restaurant
- Healthy Patisserie
There is a paradise here for those who enjoy coffee and the cosy atmosphere of cafes. In DIFC, there are numerous cafés where you may meet up with friends, work, or just unwind.
- Caffe Bateel
- Caffe Nero to Mercato
- Costa Coffee
- Panifico and Caribou Coffee
In DIFC, there are a lot of upscale and local establishments for those looking for vibrant nightlife and pubs. If you want to go out for drinks with friends, there are a few well-known happy hour spots in the neighbourhood as well.
- BOCA
Original Wings - Cafe Belge
- Carnival by Tresind
- Mint Leaf of London
- Rings
Beaches Nearby
A panoramic view of Jumeirah Beach with Dubai’s famous skyscrapers
Beaches are a bit of a distance away for the locals to visit. Some popular beaches are:
- Jumeirah Open Beach (27 minutes)
- Kite Beach (33 minutes)
- Al Mamzar Beah Park (34 minutes)
- La Mer (29 minutes)
Leisure Activities Nearby
You will never become tired of DIFC with all the stores and galleries you can explore, the beautiful streets and squares you can wander around, and the concerts or street performances you can watch. Due to its proximity, Dubai Downtown is always open for opera performances, and Dubai Mall is only a 5-minute drive away.
- The Gate is the most famous structure in DIFC, and the Gate Village, which lies adjacent to it, serves as the hub for several upscale restaurants and art galleries.
Other places that one can head to:
- The Marble Walk
- The Balcony
- The Empty Quarter
- Andakulova Gallery
- Opera Gallery
Difc - Location Map and Landmarks
Distance and Commute Time
- DIFC is a short distance away from Downtown (a 15-minute drive). The driving distance is around 4 km.
- Business Bay, another economic area in Dubai, is immediately adjacent to DIFC. It takes about 23 minutes of travel time, and the distance is around 7.1 km.
- Dubai International Airport can be reached in 18 minutes by car, covering a distance of approximately 12.3 km.
- It takes around 21 minutes to get to The Dubai Fountain via Al Mustaqbal St/D86. The total distance is 5.7 km.
- It takes about 13 minutes to reach the City Walk Mall via Al Safa St/D71. It is located 4.5 km from DIFC.
Ratings and Reviews
The apartments are roomy, and the bedroom is large enough. Without ever leaving the air-conditioned interior, you can access the upscale stores, cafés, and restaurants located within the building with lovely, friendly staff. Heaters frequently leak, so be prepared to fix them sometimes along with your furniture. It is difficult for servicemen to access certain portions of the building.
I shifted from a deluxe serviced flat in Qatar to Damac Park Towers, and I still think it is a pretty amazing structure. The property is in an incredible location, with a stunning pool area. I can see they put effort into maintaining the property, and the nearby metro is convenient. The gym could be better. It lacks a lot of amenities and is small and stuffy. Most of the neighbours aren’t particularly cordial.
Despite being in the centre of the city, our place is wonderfully quiet and free of traffic. The bedrooms are really spacious and have a great outlook. The swimming pool is well-maintained, and there is a grand and posh lobby. The cons are the absence of playgrounds, walking parks, and other similar facilities for kids.
I reside in a well-maintained apartment complex in the centre of DIFC, and Downtown Dubai and the Dubai Mall are also close by. The Metro stations are nearby. The structure features top-notch amenities, including a tennis court, sauna, and steam room. The only problem is the lack of visitor parking in the public lot.
Excellent location because it’s near the DIFC, yet you can reach Sheikh Zayed Road in two minutes by crossing a street. Both the flat and the building are up to par. The vista from Sheikh Zayed Road is stunning. Some security officers need to be more proficient and adhere to building regulations. The front desk staff in the residential and main lobby areas are unable to respond to even the most basic inquiries.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is DIFC, Dubai Freehold?
As one of Dubai’s autonomous free zones, DIFC enables businesses to operate with 100% community ownership.
What are the top attractions in DIFC, Dubai?
Along with the stores and art galleries, you have beautiful squares and streets with activities like street performers. As it is only 17 minutes away, you can visit Dubai Downtown at any time to take in an opera performance or visit Dubai Mall and its magnificent fountain.
How to get to DIFC, Dubai, by bus and metro? And which is the nearest metro station?
With good access to public transportation, DIFC is situated. Three metro stations, viz., Emirates Towers, Financial Centre and Burj Khalifa Dubai Mall Metro Stations, are within a 1 km radius of DIFC. Additionally, there are several bus lines in the area.
Which are the best communities to live in DIFC, Dubai?
According to user-generated views, Park Towers is the most well-liked building. Central Park Towers, Sky Gardens, Burj Daman, and Index Tower are other popular communities
What are the best hotels and restaurants in DIFC, Dubai?
The Ritz-Carlton is the most popular and encompasses executive apartments, dining options, a spa, and a club, among the many five-star services it provides. Four Seasons Hotel is another prominent hotel and is a boutique-style sanctuary. All of the contemporary suites include all you need for a comfortable stay.
Which are the famous malls and supermarkets in DIFC, Dubai?
A widely anticipated destination for fashion and shopping is Gate Avenue. The facility has a large number of stores. The Dubai Mall, the city’s largest entertainment and shopping complex, is nearby and can be reached in about 8–10 minutes.
What are the best schools in DIFC, Dubai?
A few nurseries are available for younger children. A well-known pre-school in the region is called Hummingbird Pre-School. In Dubai, British Orchard Nurseries are well-known. For schools in DIFC, Babilou MENA is quite famous. Other neighbouring campuses are Horizontal International School and Hartland International School.
Which are the best hospitals and clinics in DIFC, Dubai?
Residents can currently go to Your Health Clinic for any emergency or quick checkup. Alternatively, there is the Medcare Medical Center, which is about a 6-minute drive away in the Motor City neighbourhood.
Which are the famous places of worship in Dubai Festival City?
There is the Grand Mosque and Ramadan Juma Mosque for Muslima. The Gurudwara, Krishna & Siva temples, for Sikhs and Hindus, are a drive away from DIFC, as is the Dubai Seventh Day Adventist Church for Christians
What are the pros and cons of living in Dubai Festival City?
The DIFC is a live-work-play neighbourhood with fine-dining restaurants, cafés, and luxury hotels offering urban life with a wide range of options. Being connected by not one, but 3 metro stations make travelling to and from DIFC easy. But there aren’t many facilities for children, and rush-hour traffic and congestion can give you a harrowing time.
