His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, launched DIFC Zabeel District. This is a landmark expansion of the Dubai International Financial Centre. It will consolidate its status as the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. Here’s all you need to know about DIFC Zabeel District, which also aims to reinforce Dubai’s status as a preferred business and lifestyle destination in the region.
DIFC Zabeel District Launched
Regarded as the largest demand-led expansion of a financial centre in the region, DIFC Zabel District was launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It includes a massive site area of 7.1 million sq. ft, as revealed by the Dubai Media Office. It was also mentioned in the report that the total gross floor area of 17.7 million sq. ft is included in this. As it happens, the estimated gross development value exceeds AED100 billion.
It Will Be Able To Accommodate Over 42,000 Companies
Mohammed bin Rashid: DIFC Zabeel District is a key step towards advancing the financial sector in Dubai and worldwide. The new district will see DIFC surge in scale to accommodate over 42,000 companies, a workforce exceeding 125,000, and more than one million square feet of space… pic.twitter.com/n1BZfddmth
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 27, 2026
It should be noted that Dubai is continuing to enhance its status as a leading global business and finance hub. They plan to do so by launching landmark futuristic projects. The new district will see DIFC surge in scale so that it will be able to accommodate more than 42,000 companies. Moreover, with the workforce exceeding 1,25,000 and with more than one million square feet of space dedicated to future technologies in AI, the new district is truly going to be the talk of the town. It will also offer state-of-the-art spaces for business, innovation, education, and residential living.
Also Read: Dubai Is Hosting A Limited-Time Food & Music Festival With Redeemable Entry At AED 50!
More About The District
A ceremony was held on the site in Zabeel with a complete visualisation of the future of DIFC Zabeel District. It is expected to double DIFC’s capacity to more than 42,000 businesses. Supporting a workforce of over 1,25,000, the expansion marks a bold new chapter for future technologies. Not to mention, this is in line with Dubai’s ambitious Education 33 strategy, which would position the UAE as the leading hub for further education. Featuring a first-of-its-kind art pavilion, which deepens DIFC’s standing since Dubai is home to art and culture, there will be specific sites that will be designed for landmark pieces of art and architecture.
Offering a mix of commercial and residential spaces, there will be a central boulevard, a conference centre, hotels, upscale retail offerings, and even cutting-edge technology infrastructure
It is expected that the master plan will be complete in 2040 with the work is currently underway to prepare the first phase.
Cover Image Courtesy: X/DXBMediaOffice
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