Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) opened in 2004 and is a 110 acre onshore financial centre aiming to compete with the likes of New York and London. It is one of Dubai’s major free zones.

Companies based at DIFC provide financial services in the following sectors; banks and banking services, capital markets, asset management and fund registration, insurance and reinsurance, and Islamic finance.

They are regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority and include Julius Baer (Middle East), Credit Suisse, Standard Chartered, Babcock and Brown (DIFC), Renaissance Capital, Merrill Lynch, GCC Energy Fund Managers, Alliance Re, Goldman Sachs, and Praesidium.

The Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX) is also based here.

The DIFC is dominated by the The Gate, a 15-storey building designed by US architects Gensler situated at the northern end of the development. Marble Walk located beneath The Gate offers numerous retail outlets and cafes while the surrounding terrace, The Balcony, houses mainly cafes and delis. The Gate Village, just east of The Gate, is home to restaurants and upmarket art galleries.

Hotels

Hotels and places to stay in and around DIFC include:

  • Dusit Thani Dubai
  • Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road
  • The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre
  • Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai
  • Rose Rayhaan by Rotana - Dubai
  • Swissôtel Al Murooj Dubai
  • Gevora Hotel
  • Jumeirah Emirates Towers
  • Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre
  • Towers Rotana - Dubai

Restaurants

Restaurants in DIFC are listed below.

The list was last updated on Sunday 4th of October 2020.

NameAddressCuisinePriceDetails
24th St. World Street FoodDusit Thani
Trade Centre
Indian, Korean, Japanese, Arabic, Italian, Chinese$$Licensed restaurant on the 24th floor of the Dusit Thani. Street food concept offering dishes from around the world (Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Italian, Arabic etc.). Vibrant and colourful interior.
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Al GrissinoSouth Tower, Emirates Financial Towers
DIFC
Italian$$$Italian restaurant on the 16th floor of the South Tower of Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC. Unique bar offers spectacular views of the Dubai skyline.
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BOCAGate Village
DIFC
Mediterranean$$Dishes from France, Italy, and Spain. Licensed. Indoor and outdoor seating. Extensive wine cellar.
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Le CirqueThe Ritz Carlton Dubai International Financial Centre
DIFC
French$$$French restaurant at the Ritz Carlton Dubai International Financial Centre. Opulent interior. Licensed.
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Level 43 Sky LoungeFour Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road
Trade Centre
Bar, International$$[Facebook]
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Mint Leaf of LondonSouth Tower, Emirates Financial Towers
DIFC
Indian$$$Contemporary Indian restaurant on the 15th floor of the South Tower of Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer great views of the Burj Khalifa.
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ZumaGate Village
DIFC
Japanese$$$Sleek, contemporary Japanese restaurant at DIFC. Spread over three levels. Booking recommended.
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Shopping and Art Galleries

High end art galleries such as Art Space, Art Sawa, Ayyam Gallery, and the Cuadro Fine Art Gallery can be found at The Gate Village.

Emirates Towers Boulevard is just north of DIFC and offers further retail and dining options.

Transport

The area is served by two Metro stations; Emirates Towers and Financial Centre. Both are on the Red Line. Visitors with business at The Gate should alight at Emirates Towers.

Map

Map showing the location of DIFC.

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