DIFC

Gourmet restaurants, high-end retailers, a plethora of commercial facilities and internationally acclaimed art galleries, make up Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). It is a major global financial hub within the suburb of Dubai and in proximity to Downtown and Business Bay, for South Asian, African and the Middle Eastern markets. Simply known as DIFC, this leading financial centre is a 110-hectare district dubbed as the ‘gateway to growth’. Besides a thriving commercial zone, it is a vibrant residential community, lively and ideal for those seeking modern suburban lifestyle. Also suitable for frequent commuters, DIFC is one of the best areas in Dubai with public transport links seamlessly connecting to other parts of the city. Read on to find more about the locality, amenities and what it’s like living in the heart of Dubai. As per 2020 Property Market Report by Bayut, the community ranks among the top 5 areas to rent luxury apartments in Dubai.

• The leading financial hub for the Middle East, South Asia and Africa
• Boasts residential apartments, hotels and commercial and retail space
• A mixed-use development, free trade zone and a business community
• Home to some of the most exceptional art galleries in the city
• Features an impressive collection of some excellent restaurants
• Provides convenience and accessibility via two metro stations

With towering buildings, an exotic collection of retail and dining spaces, and as a community well-equipped with modern facilities, DIFC is the epitome of city life. Alluring art galleries and exciting events create a very active and vibrant environment that leave no room for boredom. Also, living in DIFC is especially feasible for working professionals due to the convenient location, accessibility and the overall vibe of a modern lifestyle. Supporting all kinds of businesses and commercial activities with a range of facilities and a regulated set of tax free regime, common law framework and judicial system, it is one of the top areas in Dubai to rent offices. Here, you find a good range of small, mid-size and large offices, shops and other commercial as well as residential properties. Take a look at the types of properties on offer if you are willing to invest or move to DIFC.

On the residential side, DIFC houses several apartments for rent and sale. These are reasonable options for singles, couples and working professionals in Dubai as well as families. Developed for world-class modern living, almost all the buildings are of towering heights. You can find a wide collection of apartments ranging from studios to 3-bedroom units and also some 4 to 5-bedroom luxury penthouse suites.

One of the evident benefits of living in DIFC is its very proximity to Downtown Dubai, making it easily accessible if you happen to work there, or just wish to get down to this quintessential neighbourhood for shopping or leisure.

As for the commercial properties on offer, there are dedicated towers and complexes as well as mixed-use projects. You will either find shops and retail spaces at the ground level of residential blocks or a range of commercial unit in a completely dedicated office building. Check out the price trends and popular projects to make an informed decision.

Interested tenants can browse through the DIFC floor plans and take a look at the floor plans available for popular communities/buildings in the neighbourhood.

DIFC is a haven for property seekers. With many buildings and property types to choose from, it can be a daunting task to pick the one that’s right for you. Take a look at the top five buildings in DIFC to help your cause.

The upscale commercial hub is home to multiple hotels equipped with modern amenities. These hotels in DIFC include:

• The Ritz-Carlton DIFC
• Four Seasons Hotel
• Waldorf Astoria Hotel

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre is a 5-star hotel located off Sheikh Zayed Road. It offers an array of five-star amenities including executive residences, dining facility, a spa and club.

Four Seasons Hotel DIFC is a boutique-style sanctuary in the area. Guests can take in stunning city views from the glass-enclosed rooftop pool or enjoy cocktails with friends at Luna Sky Bar. The modern suites feature everything you need for a relaxing stay.

One of the most prestigious hospitality brand, Waldorf Astoria Hotel has many branches in different parts of Dubai. In DIFC, it is in proximity to Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa, offering a range of luxury amenities. The hotel also has an exclusive range of dining options, considered as a few of the top restaurants in DIFC such as the Italian eatery, The Artisan Il Ristorante.

As a popular commercial hub, traffic congestion is unsurprisingly possible, especially during the rush hour. So, if you want to travel to and from the area it is best to leave a little earlier or later. Moreover, most complexes feature dedicated parking spaces for residents, however, for visitors, finding public parking outdoors could be a problem as it costs around AED 10 for an hour.

DIFC is conveniently located with easy access to public transport. It is only a short walking distance from two metro stations – Emirates Towers and Financial Centre. There are also several bus lines in and nearby. You can also find plenty of taxis but since they are in high demand, hailing them during rush hour can be challenging.

This financial centre is also home to a myriad of amenities needed for a comfortable living. From supermarkets to places of worship, recreational facilities and even Dubai’s best family restaurants, there’s nothing you would have to go out of the town for.

There are a handful of supermarkets in DIFC where you can go for your regular grocery shopping. A lot of these supermarkets are found on the ground floor of different buildings within the community. Some of the supermarkets include the Spinneys Supermarket, BS Supermarket LLC, Fresh Mart Supermarket, Choithrams and Al Maya Supermarket. There are many outlets of Spinneys in Dubai, favoured for monthly grocery hauls. The popular supermarket chain around here is in Central Park Towers, open throughout the week.

To fulfil your religious needs, there is a mosque in DIFC. You can also find Ramadan Juma Mosque a little further away. The DIFC Grand Mosque in Gate Avenue is one of the most beautiful mosques in Dubai.

The nearest church is Dubai Seventh Day Adventist Church 15-minutes away and the Gurudwara, Shiva and Krishna’s Temples are just a 5-minute drive away from the area.

For younger kids, there are a few nurseries. There is the Hummingbird Pre-School that is widely popular located in the area. British Orchard Nurseries in Dubai are quite notable. There are many branches of this school in different areas of Dubai and there’s one in DIFC too, located in Central Park Towers.

Babilou MENA is an option for parents looking for a school in DIFC. Other schools nearby include Hartland International School in MBR City and Horizontal International School in Umm Al Sheif. However, some educational institutions that offer specific courses include the Brighter Prep, the IE Centre, and the London Business School Dubai Centre.

You don’t have to travel far in search of hospitals or clinics in DIFC. There are several healthcare centres dotted nearby. The closest ones are the IMC Medical Centre, La Clinique DIFC and The Clinic. Al Zahra Medical Centre is also less than a 15-minute drive away, and so is Interhealth Canada Limited. You can also reach Oriana Hospital in just around 20 minutes.

DIFC is situated right across Downtown Dubai that houses the tallest building, Burj Khalifa and the largest mall in the world. This puts DIFC residents in closer proximity to the most notable landmarks of the emirate, Dubai Opera and Dubai Fountain. It is also located along the same line as the World Trade Centre and Emirates Towers. Za’abeel 2 is located further into the opposite side of community while the Al Satwa sits right behind.

Though aimed as a complete commercial destination, DIFC has evolved into a residential metropolis in the emirate with all kinds of amenities expected from any developed area in the UAE. Here, you will find a wide range of fine diners, casual meetup spots, family recreation points, outdoor activities and even Dubai’s best food halls.

Gate Avenue is a highly anticipated fashion and retail destination. There are many shops in the establishment such as Sacoor Brothers, Suit Supply, Black Amber, His and Hers, Fiori Jewels and Collars and Cuffs. Other than that, residents can have an unfulfilled shopping fix while living in DIFC as they are only 8-10 minutes away from the city’s expansive shopping and leisure complex – The Dubai Mall.

The community is not short of shopping avenues at all as there are a handful of exciting retail outlets here. There is the Fendi Dubai Mall Flagship for some high-end Italian fashion and accessories. You can also find the Flower Boutique if you want to buy some flowers and ornamental plants. There is also Momentum Dubai and Rivoli DIFC Dubai for watches and ALIEL for fine jewellery.

One thing you will not run out of is a place to dine in Dubai International Financial Centre. There is an abundance of restaurants in DIFC serving a varied range of taste buds. ShanghaiMe and La Cantine du Faubourg are two of the popular outdoor restaurants in Dubai with a friendly vibe. Also, you can choose from Gazebo for authentic North Indian cuisine, 1762 The Gourmet Deli Co. for their healthy food choices or La Petite Maison for French delicacies. For a range of Asian deliciousness, there is the Royal China Restaurant and the Japanese Zuma Restaurant. Miyabi Sushi and Bento is also a good option if you are looking for Japanese restaurants in Dubai on a budget. There are several other international options to choose from such as Beefbar, Al Mandaloun, Dusty’s and more.

If you’re on a custom gluten-free diet having a little sweet tooth, you can head to Healthy Patisserie in DAMAC Park Towers, a go-to place for vegan deserts in Dubai. The lovers of coffee and the quaint vibes of coffee shops can also find a haven here. From Caffe Bateel, Costa Coffee and Caffe Nero to Mercato, Panifico and Caribou Coffee, there are several more cafes in DIFC to catch up with friends, get some work done or to simply relax.

For nightlife and pubs, you will find many exclusive and neighbourhood bars in DIFC. There’s BOCA in Gate Village and Original Wings and Rings in Liberty House. Also within the community, Carnival by Tresind, Mint Leaf of London and Cafe Belge are a few popular happy hour places in Dubai if you fancy a drink out with friends.

Residents will have to travel a bit far to visit beaches. Open Beach on Jumeirah Road is only a 15-minute drive away from the neighbourhood. You can also reach the JBR Beach in a 25-minute drive.

The Gate is the most notable landmark in DIFC and the Gate Village located adjacent to it is the focal point of the various art galleries and fine dining outlets. Here, you will find Al Mandaloun, a top group-friendly restaurant in Dubai for a nice day out with your loved ones. The Marble Walk is another highlight located right beneath The Gate and is focused on takeaway meals, essential services and retail convenience. There is also The Balcony, a terrace surrounding The Gate featuring casual dining options. Moreover, in Gate Village 4 and 6, you will find some of the best private dining restaurants such as Gaia and Hutong.

Art Galleries in DIFC

When it comes to leisure activities in DIFC, you will be up for a treat as the region is known for housing some of the best galleries in Dubai. Starting from The Empty Quarter, a gallery exclusively for fine arts photography featuring internationally renowned and established photographers. The Arts Club is also worth mentioning. All the way from London, the club has its first international outpost in this area, most loved by all literature and art fans. Andakulova Gallery which showcases central Asia’s contemporary visual art, to Christie’s, a gallery of extraordinary art that conducted the most celebrated auctions; there are several more galleries in DIFC you can explore. The most popular gallery would probably be the spectacular and internationally established Opera Gallery.

Community Park in Dubai Investment Park is just 9 to 10-minutes drive away depending upon which side you are living in. You can also reach the Zabeel Park in just around 10-minutes by car. You will also only have to drive around 12-minutes to reach Dubai Garden Glow.

For fitness enthusiasts, there is a good variety of gyms in DIFC. There is Fitness First, Barry’s Bootcamp, the Ultimate Performance Dubai (UP Fitness LLC) and the D5 Executive Gymnasium.

To relax your mind and body, there are also several spas in DIFC. You can choose from The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Mind & Sense Spa, Spa Cordon and many more. There is also a men’s hair salon; Hommage Atelier, a nail salon; Style Beauty Lounge, and several ladies’ salons such as Ladies First Beauty Salon and others.

The development will expand to triple its size by 2024. As per DIFC 2.0 plan approved by Dubai’s ruler His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2019, the expansion of the neighbourhood will be carried out in multiple phases. The expansion will include more residential projects, retail area, office space and leisure destinations.

Those living in DIFC Dubai enjoy many perks. However, one factor to consider if you are planning to move is that the region is highly populated and may not be favoured as a residential community by people with families or those who do not like crowded places. The lack of options for schools nearby also makes it an undesirable choice for families with school-going children.

DIFC, Dubai’s dedicated business community is most known for DIFC Courts, the authority that regulates commercial activities in the area. DIFC laws or regulations are designed by DIFCA and DFSA. All commercial and business activities must comply to these regulations.

There are more than 2,400 registered and active companies in DIFC Dubai.

DIFC is a financial centric freezone area in Dubai.

• Right next to Downtown, a walking distance (mere 8-minute drive)
• Directly neighbours another commercial hub of Dubai, Business Bay area
• Dubai International Airport in a little less than 15 minutes by car
• Sheikh Zayed Road is accessible in around 8 to 10 minutes
• An 11-minute short drive to the iconic, Dubai Fountain