Pros and cons of living in DIFC – An upscale financial hub or a concrete jungle with heavy traffic

The central geographical location of Dubai strikes the perfect balance between different time zones, giving this city a competitive advantage. Dubai International Financial Centre, more popularly known as DIFC, is the business and trade hub of Dubai. It is among the world’s top financial centres that not only facilitates the business flow in the markets of Middle East, South Asia and Africa but also connects businesses with other markets such as Asia, America and Europe. Living in DIFC is literary like living in the middle of a financial district that is bustling with all kinds of business activities.

DIFC Dubai is not just a trade centre but it’s an entire ecosystem comprised of over 23,000 professionals working across more than 2000 registered firms. These companies enjoy independent regulation and a dedicated judicial system. Other than office buildings, it features chic fine dining restaurants, art galleries, luxury retail outlets and several popular hotels, which makes living in DIFC an ideal choice.

Pros and cons of living in DIFC

Living here has a plethora of benefits, however, depending on the situation, there might be some challenges to living in DIFC too. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the major pros and cons of living in DIFC to assist you in making an informed decision. So let’s start with the advantages of living in DIFC.

Pros of Living in DIFC

The area offers urban living with plenty of options in terms of fine-dining restaurants, cafes and luxury hotels. DIFC is a live-work-play community especially preferred by young talented expatriates. Some other advantages of the place are as follows:

A prime location

One of the biggest benefits of living in DIFC is that it is an ideal location for the workaholic singletons who love a fast-paced life. Those looking at apartments for rent in DIFC enjoy the convenience of being close to the iconic Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai World Trade Centre and the Burj Khalifa. Foreign expatriates with plans of a long time stay or investment in Dubai should consider the apartments for sale in DIFC. The access to different museums, performing arts centres, fitness centres, cafes, restaurants and art galleries add to DIFC’s overall appeal.

Living close to the workplace

The entire DIFC district exudes vibrancy and modernity with a fast-paced corporate environment. Those who feel travelling is the most tiring part of their working day should definitely think of living here. The luxury high-rise apartments in DIFC offer a myriad of amenities with a lively atmosphere and a buzzing nightlife. 

The apartment buildings in DIFC have several options for those who wish to rent near their workplace. From more affordable 1-bedroom apartments to uber-chic 3-bedroom flats in luxurious buildings such as Park Towers, Index Tower, Central Park Towers, Sky Gardens and so on. 

Tip: Don’t be surprised if you ever bump into His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai as the Prime Minister’s office is located at the Jumeirah Emirates Tower,  just a stone’s throw away from DIFC.

Near Metro Stations and Bus Stations

One of the biggest benefits of DIFC is that commuting to and from the area is not a struggle as it is connected through not one but three metro stations; Emirates Tower metro station, World Trade Centre metro station and Financial Centre metro station. It only takes about 10 minutes to reach Downtown Dubai from this area and Dubai Marina is just 20 minutes away, while, Dubai International Airport is a 15-minute drive from DIFC.

Apart from the metro, DIFC also has a number of bus stations in the vicinity. Taxi service is easily available. Catching a cab during peak hours, however, could be challenging.

Ample Parking Spaces in DIFC

There is no shortage of convenient parking spots for residents and office workers in the area. However, visitors generally have to park their cars in paid parking zones. 

Access to Notable Landmarks and Recreational Spots

There are some iconic buildings and venues in the area, bringing you closer to art and culture. The Gate is an iconic landmark and one of the first buildings in DIFC. The well-designed structure is an ideal place for event launches and exhibitions.  The Marble Walk DIFC is another landmark located close to the Gate building. The Marble Walk has several takeaway meal kiosks, retail convenience stores and other essential services.

Empty Quarter gallery is also a very popular place, especially among art lovers. People love the fine art photography pieces showcased here by some of the most renowned photographers. Moreover, Christie’s art gallery is a celebrated auction house located in DIFC. The Opera Gallery is probably the main highlight of the district.

Foodies will also enjoy living in DIFC. Fine Dining options such as Carnival by Tresind, Zuma and Mint Leaf of London are in the neighbourhood. Those with a leaning towards healthy options too have plenty to choose from in this bustling area. 

Cons of Living in DIFC

While there are many perks for living in DIFC, there are also a few disadvantages of living in DIFC that you should consider before moving here.

No Parks and Beaches

As DIFC is a commercial district focusing on corporate buildings and offices there aren’t enough parks in the area. The lack of greenery in the vicinity could be a let-down for some. 

DIFC is a pure city life destination indicating that there are also no beaches to unwind and relax. However, you can easily travel to Dubai Marina or JBR Beach to have some fun-in-the-sun on weekends.

Lack of kids related activities

DIFC is the financial hub of Dubai that is the reason there are not many kids play areas in the locality. The lack of child-friendly parks, walking areas and other such amenities are something families with kids need to think of before relocating to DIFC. The good news is that there are a couple of schools and nurseries in the area.

Heavy Traffic and Congested Roads

One of the most obvious challenges of living in DIFC, a business district, is the heavy traffic and congestion during rush hours. Families with school-going kids need to rely on school buses rather than using their own vehicle for the purpose.

That’s all for our guide on the pros and cons of living in DIFC Dubai. There are other communities in the city as well that offer an amazing and peaceful living experience with a variety of facilities. For instance, those living in Town Square Dubai enjoy a comfortable life with access to a number of basic amenities including parks and outdoor leisure activities suitable for children. If you are looking for a vibrant community with affordable living, take a look at the pros and cons of living in Al Qusais.