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 major expansion of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
The new district aims to strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading financial hub in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. It will also support the city’s broader business and lifestyle offerings.
The DIFC Zabeel District spans 7.1 million sq. ft. Its total gross floor area is 17.7 million sq. ft, with a gross development value exceeding AED100 billion (US$27 billion)
The expansion will accommodate over 42,000 companies and a workforce exceeding 125,000. The district will dedicate more than one million sq. ft to future technologies, including the world’s first purpose-built AI Campus.
“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,”
Sheikh Mohammed said.
He added:
“DIFC Zabeel District is a key step towards advancing the financial sector in Dubai and worldwide. It is the nexus of investment and innovation.”
The district will include commercial and residential spaces, education facilities, hotels, retail offerings, a conference centre, an art pavilion, and extensive public green spaces.
Its design focuses on connectivity, integrated living and sustainable urban planning, linking seamlessly to the existing DIFC Gate District.
Construction of the first phase is underway. The public is expected to access the new district from 2030, and the masterplan is scheduled for completion by 2040.
Featured image credit: DIFC
