Dubai has officially unveiled the ambitious DIFC Zabeel District, a massive expansion of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) set to reinforce the emirate’s position as a leading global financial hub, particularly across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA). Launched on January 28, 2026, by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the landmark project represents the region’s largest demand-led expansion of a financial centre, with a gross development value exceeding AED100 billion (approximately $27.2 billion USD).
Unlocking New Horizons in Finance and Lifestyle
The new DIFC Zabeel District dramatically scales up the existing financial free zone’s capacity, covering a substantial 7.1 million square feet site area with a total gross floor area of 17.7 million square feet. The expansion is designed to create a comprehensive ecosystem that merges world-class business infrastructure with high-quality lifestyle offerings, strengthening Dubai’s appeal to international talent and corporations.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized that the expansion is part of Dubai’s ongoing strategy to launch futuristic projects that integrate business needs with unparalleled living standards.
“DIFC Zabeel District is a key step towards advancing the financial sector in Dubai and worldwide,” he stated at the launch ceremony. “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 dedicated to future technologies and AI.”
The new area will offer state-of-the-art facilities for business, innovation, education, and premium residential living, serving as a critical nexus connecting Eastern and Western markets.
A Vision for Future-Forward Growth
The development aligns directly with the ambitious Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the emirate’s economy by 2033 and solidify its ranking among the world’s top four financial centres. The expansion responds directly to the rapid growth of both global financial institutions and burgeoning technology firms.
His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of DIFC, highlighted the project’s strategic importance. He noted that the DIFC Zabeel District is a “launchpad for a new era of innovation and progress in global finance,” ensuring an agile business environment vital for continued economic growth.
Key projections for the expanded district include:
- A doubling of DIFC’s overall capacity.
- The creation of capacity for 42,000+ businesses.
- Support for a workforce exceeding 125,000.
- Focus on future technologies and Artificial Intelligence within dedicated spaces.
Global Competitiveness and Ecosystem Integration
Since its inception in 2004, the DIFC has driven significant transformation in financial services across the region, built on world-class governance and regulatory frameworks. The new Zabeel District builds upon this legacy, reinforcing DIFC’s role as an engine of innovation and a powerful growth partner.
Essa Kazim, Governor of DIFC, affirmed that the expansion will “redefine the financial industry in the MEASA region” and fast-track the Centre’s contribution to Dubai’s economy. The integration of infrastructure with robust financial regulations is designed to foster a comprehensive, conducive ecosystem for business success.
Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, concluded that the expansion will be a magnet for global financial expertise and talent. By setting a new benchmark for combining professional excellence with quality of life, the DIFC Zabeel District is poised to power the next two decades of growth, securing Dubai’s reputation as a launchpad for the future of finance. The ceremonial launch took place adjacent to the existing DIFC Gate District, symbolizing the next chapter under the theme, “Tomorrow Begins Here.”