In a monumental step to cement Dubai’s global leadership in finance, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, launched the largest expansion project in the history of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) — the “Zabeel District – DIFC”.
Valued at over AED 100 billion, this ambitious project will enhance DIFC’s status as the leading financial hub in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, while boosting Dubai’s appeal as a top destination for business, innovation, and high-quality living.
A Landmark in Regional Financial Development
The new district will be the largest internal expansion of a financial hub in the region, spanning 7.1 million square feet of land area and delivering 17.7 million square feet of gross floor area.
The development will effectively double DIFC’s capacity, enabling it to host over 42,000 companies and support a workforce exceeding 125,000 professionals, reinforcing its central role in global finance and innovation.
Visionary Leadership for a Future-Ready Economy
During the official launch, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum remarked:
“Dubai is a story of relentless ambition, written in chapters of achievements that race against time, driven by a will that believes creating the future is a responsibility that cannot be delayed. In Dubai, we don’t wait for change — we create it, turning dreams into accomplishments that speak to the world in the language of leadership.”
His Highness said: “Zabeel District – Dubai International Financial Centre represents a significant milestone in the ongoing development of the financial sector in Dubai and globally, as it will double the Centre’s capacity to accommodate over 42,000 companies and a workforce exceeding 125,000 professionals.”
“DIFC is the beating heart of Dubai’s economy, the bridge connecting East and West, and a platform where investment meets innovation,” he added.
The expansion was announced during a ceremony held at the project site in the Zabeel area, near Dubai International Financial Centre, marking the official launch of the “Zabeel District – DIFC” project. The event was attended by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and Chairman of DIFC; and His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the UAE National Olympic Committee; along with a number of ministers and senior officials.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was received by Essa Kazim, Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre, and Arif Amiri, CEO of the DIFC Authority, along with members of the Board and senior executives from Dubai’s financial and regulatory bodies.
Strategic Vision for Global Financial Leadership
On this occasion, His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, and Chairman of Dubai International Financial Centre, said:
“Zabeel District – Dubai International Financial Centre reflects our firm commitment to the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in building an integrated financial environment that fosters innovation, combining world-class infrastructure with growth-driven financial regulations. This enhances Dubai’s ability to lead transformation in the financial sector.
It also supports the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033 and position Dubai among the world’s top four financial centers.”
His Highness added:
“Zabeel District – DIFC marks a strategic shift in the Centre’s journey and serves as a platform for launching a new phase of innovation and advancement in the global financial sector.
The new project will accommodate the accelerating growth of global companies, financial institutions, and technology firms, reaffirming our commitment to continually developing a flexible and leading business environment that sets new standards for financial excellence and drives economic growth in Dubai and the UAE.”
A Destination for Global Talent and Future Industries
The event, held under the theme “Tomorrow Begins Here”, showcased DIFC’s 20-year journey of facilitating trade and investment flows and introduced the forward-looking vision of the Zabeel District.
Essa Kazim stated:
“This expansion will represent a transformative leap for the future of the financial sector in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, and will further strengthen Dubai International Financial Centre’s contribution to the economic growth of the Emirate of Dubai”
Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, also commented:
“Zabeel District – Dubai International Financial Centre” will contribute to enhancing Dubai’s global competitiveness, with the new expansion set to become a magnet for international expertise, talent, and top professionals in the financial services sector”
