HIGHLIGHTS
About Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) contains luxury restaurants, magnificent shops, and numerous business facilities that also showcase internationally essential art galleries. DIFC functions as a leading international financial centre serving South Asian and African operations and Middle Eastern markets. It spreads across 110 hectares of land near Dubai’s outskirts, adjacent to Downtown and Business Bay. The neighbourhood functions as a thriving business zone and residential area that meets the needs of modern city dwellers who desire suburban life. DIFC is one of Dubai’s best neighbourhoods because it gives residents seamless access to transportation systems that link the area to various city zones.
In a Nutshell
- The primary financial centre for Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East.
- Features hotels, retail establishments, and residential apartments.
- A business community, free trade zone, and mixed-use development
- The location of several of the city’s best art galleries
- It has a remarkable selection of top-notch eateries.
- Offers accessibility and convenience through two metro stations.
NEIGHBOURHOOD
Community Overview
With its tall skyscrapers, unique array of shops and DIFC restaurants, and a community fully furnished with contemporary amenities, DIFC is the height of urban living. There is no place for boredom in this dynamic and lively setting, created by captivating art galleries and thrilling activities. Additionally, because of its handy location, ease of access, and general modern vibe, DIFC Dubai is particularly viable for working professionals. It is one of the best places in Dubai to rent offices since it supports a wide range of commercial activities and businesses with a controlled set of common law frameworks, tax-free regimes, and judicial systems.
A wide variety of small, medium, and large offices, shops, and other commercial and residential properties can be found here. If you are willing to invest or relocate to the DIFC, look at the kinds of properties available.
DIFC Properties
On the residential side, DIFC offers several rental and sale units. These are affordable choices for Dubai’s families, singles, couples, and working professionals. Most buildings reach tremendous heights because DIFC Developer built them to provide luxury amenities to modern residents. Available properties within DIFC include studio apartments next to luxury penthouse suites featuring four to five-bedroom units.
DIFC residence offers the main advantage of being situated strategically since it provides convenient access to Downtown Dubai. Commercial assets available include mixed-use projects and specialised towers and complexes. A building entirely dedicated to offices can house a variety of commercial units, or shops and retail spaces can be found on the ground floor of residential complexes.
Rental Trends in DIFC
Most apartment rentals depend on the count of bedrooms inside the unit. People pay between AED 134,000 yearly for one-bedroom flats, whereas studio apartments typically cost AED 93,000 annually. A two-bedroom flat can be obtained for AED 183,000 by individuals searching for more space in their homes. At AED 149,000, the average three-bedroom flat rental slightly exceeds the typical two-bedroom rate.
Sales Trends in DIFC
The size of the flat determines the average sales price. One-bedroom apartments in Jumaira usually cost an average of AED 1,895,000 but studio apartments average at AED 1,177,000. Two-bedroom flats in the market typically cost AED 2,872,000. Another cost involved in owning a three-bedroom flat is its average price of AED 5,760,000.
ROI in DIFC
The investment return rate for apartment properties depends on their physical dimensions. Studio apartments generate the greatest return on investment, 7.33%, making investors choose them first over other options. One-bedroom units follow closely, with a 7.00% ROI. Two-bedroom apartments yield a slightly lower return of 5.90%, while three-bedroom units have the lowest ROI at 3.33%.
DIFC Floor Plans
Potential tenants can peruse the floor plans for well-known buildings and communities in the DIFC area.
DIFC’s Most Popular Buildings
The combination of Sky Gardens DIFC, Park Towers, Central Park Towers, Burj Daman, and Index Tower draws the largest number of visitors to residential properties in DIFC.
One-bedroom flats in Sky Gardens DIFC range from AED 100,000 to AED 200,000. Two-bedroom flats in the rental market span between AED 66k and AED 395k. The prices of one-bedroom apartments for sale range from AED 2M to AED 3M. The prices of the two-bedroom flats in Sky Gardens DIFC range from AED 2M to AED 5M.
People who rent one-bedroom apartments at Park Towers must pay between AED 115,000 and AED 160,000 per month for their accommodations. Flat properties consisting of two bedrooms within DIFC range between AED 60 thousand and AED 169 thousand. The prices of residential one-bedroom apartments in the DIFC location range between AED 2M and AED 2M, with the two-bedroom apartments in Park Towers priced between AED 2M and AED 3 M.
Hotels in the DIFC
There are several hotels with modern facilities in the upscale business district. Among these hotels in the DIFC are:
- The Ritz-Carlton DIFC.
- Four Seasons Hotel.
- Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
The five-star Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre hotel allows its guests to access it through Sheikh Zayed Road. Ritz Carlton Dubai International Financial Centre possesses five-star amenities with executive apartments restaurants spa facilities and club spaces.
The area boasts the Four Seasons Hotel DIFC as its boutique-style place to stay. The Luna Sky Bar offers cocktail options while guests there can see stunning cityscapes from the glass-roofed rooftop swimming pool. The stylish suites at this location include all the necessary components for restful comfort.
The Waldorf Astoria Hotels brand has numerous locations throughout the city of Dubai. Tourists have access to luxury facilities across this property since it lies within close range of the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa in DIFC. A corner of the hotel contains exceptional restaurants, which include The Artisan Il Ristorante holding status as the best restaurant in the DIFC district.
Parking and Transportation in DIFC
Unsurprisingly, given its popularity as a commercial centre, traffic congestion is possible, particularly during rush hour. It is more convenient to leave earlier or later than typical transport times when accessing and leaving this location. Most complexes provide resident parking locations but visitors might struggle to find affordable public parking spaces that charge AED 10 per hour adjacent to the area.
Public Transportation in the DIFC
The convenient position of DIFC makes public transport easily accessible to its users. Two metro stations, the Financial Center and Emirates Towers, can be reached by walking a brief distance from the location. A wide range of public bus lines operates throughout this location.
During peak hours, hailing a taxi becomes challenging because of its high user popularity.
Schools, Healthcare, and Amenities
This financial hub also offers numerous facilities required for a comfortable lifestyle. You won’t need to leave town for anything, including supermarkets, places of worship, recreational centres, and even the most incredible family restaurants in Dubai.
DIFC Supermarkets
In DIFC, there are a few stores where you can do your usual grocery shopping. Many of these supermarkets are located on the ground floor of various local buildings. The Spinneys Supermarket, BS Supermarket LLC, Fresh Mart Supermarket, Choithrams, and Al Maya Supermarket are a few supermarkets. In Dubai, there are numerous Spinneys locations, which are popular for monthly grocery shopping. The well-known grocery store chain in the area is located in Central Park DIFC Towers and is open every day of the week.
Mosques, Temples, and Churches in the DIFC
There is a mosque in DIFC that meets your religious needs. A little further away is the Ramadan Juma Mosque. One of Dubai’s finest mosques is the DIFC Grand Mosque on Gate Avenue.
The Gurudwara, Shiva, and Krishna Temples are within a 5-minute drive from the area, while the closest church is Dubai Seventh Day Adventist Church, which is 15 minutes away.
DIFC Schools
There are several nurseries for younger children. A well-known preschool in the neighbourhood is Hummingbird Pre-School. Dubai is home to some renowned British Orchard Nurseries. This school has numerous locations throughout Dubai, including one in the DIFC at Central Park Towers.
Parents searching for a school in the DIFC may choose to consider Babilou MENA. Horizontal International School in Umm Al Sheif and Hartland International School in MBR City are other local schools. Nonetheless, the London Business School Dubai Center, the IE Center, and Brighter Prep are a few educational establishments that provide particular courses.
Hospitals and Clinics in the DIFC
In the DIFC, you don’t have to go far to find clinics or hospitals. Numerous medical facilities can be found in the area. The IMC Medical Centre, La Clinique DIFC, and The Clinic are the nearest. Interhealth Canada Limited and Al Zahra Medical Centre are less than a fifteen-minute drive away. Additionally, it takes about 20 minutes to get to Oriana Hospital.
Nearby Areas
From its boundary with Downtown Dubai arises the world’s biggest shopping mall and the highest building called Burj Khalifa. DIFC residents maintain effortless access to the two main attractions of the emirate such as Dubai Fountain and Dubai Opera.
DIFC connects through common lines to both Emirates Towers and the World Trade Center. The Al Satwa is directly behind Za’abeel 2, farther into the village’s other part.
LIFESTYLE OVERVIEW
Shopping, Dining and Nightlife
Despite being designed as a comprehensive commercial destination, DIFC has expanded into the emirate’s residential hub, with all the amenities one would think from any established region in the United Arab Emirates. Numerous fine dining establishments, informal gathering places, family-friendly parks, outdoor pursuits, and even Dubai’s top food halls can be found here.
DIFC Malls
One of the most anticipated fashion and shopping destinations is Gate Avenue. Numerous stores, including Sacoor Brothers, Suit Supply, Black Amber, His and Hers, Fiori Jewels, and Collars & Cuffs, are located within the facility. In addition, inhabitants of DIFC can indulge in their shopping addiction because The Dubai Mall, the city’s vast shopping and entertainment complex, is only 8–10 minutes away.
The community has many intriguing retail establishments, so there are plenty of shopping options. The Fendi Dubai Mall Flagship sells upscale Italian clothing and accessories. You can also locate the Flower Boutique if you would like to purchase flowers and decorative plants. Additionally, there is ALIEL for fine jewellery, Momentum Dubai, and Rivoli DIFC Dubai for watches.
Restaurants in the DIFC
Restaurants at Dubai International Financial Centre constitute an endless array of dining choices. The DIFC hosts numerous restaurants which satisfy the preferences of every diner. Two well-known, welcoming outdoor eateries in Dubai are ShanghaiMe and La Cantine du Faubourg. Consumers in Dubai can pick from various dining establishments, including La Petite Maison for French delights, 1762 The Gourmet Deli Co. serving nutritious fare, and Gazebo, which features real North Indian cuisine. Japanese Zuma Restaurant and the Royal China Restaurant serve customers a broad selection of Asian dining experiences. Miyabi Sushi and Bento presents an affordable eating experience in Dubai for customers interested in Japanese cuisine.
The city of Dubai features various foreign restaurants, including Beefbar, Al Mandaloun, Dusty’s, and more dining places located in Dubai.
You can visit Healthy Patisserie in DAMAC Park Towers, a popular spot for vegan desserts in Dubai, if you’re following a special gluten-free diet and have a slight sweet craving. This establishment creates a sanctuary for coffee lovers who desire the inviting environment of drink establishments. DIFC contains various coffee places, including Caffe Bateel, Costa Coffee, Caffe Nero Mercat, Panifico, and Caribou Coffe, which allow residents to meet up with friends or unwind.
There are many upscale and local bars in the DIFC for nightlife and drinking. Original Wings and Rings are in Liberty House, and BOCA is in Gate Village. If you want to go out for a drink with friends, some of the most well-liked happy hour spots in Dubai are Carnival by Tresind, Mint Leaf of London, and Cafe Belge.
Beaches Close to the DIFC
Residents will need to make a somewhat lengthy journey to visit beaches. The neighbourhood is about a fifteen-minute drive from Jumeirah Road’s Open Beach, and it takes 25 minutes to drive to JBR Beach as well.
Recreational Activities and Famous Locations
The main attraction in DIFC remains the gate structure, whereas adjacent to it is the gated village, which functions as a centre for high-class dining and art exhibitions. Dubai residents consider Al Mandaloun as one of their leading restaurants suitable for group activities attraction is The Marble Walk, which is situated just beneath The Gate and centred on takeout, essential services, and convenient shopping.
Another alternative is The Balcony, a balcony with informal eating options that encircles The Gate. Additionally, some of the greatest private dining establishments, including Gaia and Hutong, can be found in Gate Villages 4 and 6.
DIFC Art Galleries
You will be in for a treat regarding recreational activities in the DIFC, as the area is renowned for having some of Dubai’s greatest galleries. Starting from The Empty Quarter, a gallery exclusively for fine arts photography, which includes internationally famous and established photographers, The Arts Club is not to be overlooked. The club originated in London and has its first worldwide location here and is adored by all art and literary lovers. There are a number of other galleries in DIFC that you may check out, including Christie’s, a gallery of amazing art that held the most renowned auctions, and Andakulova Gallery, which displays modern visual art from central Asia.
Beauty, Fitness, and Outdoor Activities
Depending on which side of Dubai Investment Park you live on, the Community Park is only a 9–10 minute drive away. Zabeel Park can also be reached by automobile in about ten minutes. It will also take about 12 minutes to drive to Dubai Garden Glow.
There is a good selection of gyms in DIFC for those who enjoy working out. The D5 Executive Gym, Fitness First, Barry’s Bootcamp, and Ultimate Performance Dubai (UP Fitness LLC) are among them.
There are also several spas in DIFC to help you unwind physically and mentally. Among the various options are Spa Cordon, Mind & Sense Spa, and The Ritz-Carlton Spa. In addition, there are several salons for women, including Ladies First Beauty Salon, a nail salon called Hommage Atelier, a hair salon for males, and Style Beauty Lounge.
Future Attractions
By 2024, the development will have tripled in size. The neighbourhood will be expanded in stages in accordance with the DIFC 2.0 plan, which was approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, in 2019. More residential developments, retail establishments, office space, and recreational areas will all be part of the growth.
Things to Consider
There are numerous benefits for residents in DIFC Dubai. But, if you’re considering moving, remember that the area is densely populated and might not be the preferred residential location for families or persons who dislike crowds. Families with school-age children find it to be an unfavourable alternative due to the dearth of surrounding school options.
FAQs
What does the DIFC stand for?
DIFC stands for Dubai International Financial Centre.
Does DIFC have Metro?
DIFC is well-connected to Dubai’s transport systems. The easiest way to reach DIFC is via Dubai Metro, with two Red Line metro stations offering access to the neighbourhood.
Is DIFC a free zone?
DIFC is a free zone in Dubai.
LOCATION
- Near Downtown, within easy walking distance (only an 8-minute drive).
- Nearby is the Business Bay neighbourhood, another commercial centre in Dubai.
- Driving to Dubai International Airport takes less than fifteen minutes.
- Getting to Sheik Zayed Road takes approximately eight to ten minutes.
- The famous Dubai Fountain can be reached in just 11 minutes by car.