What To Know
- The mega project, valued at AED 100 billion, marks the largest demand-led expansion of a financial centre in the region and is set to significantly strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for business, finance and innovation.
- The district will feature a dedicated Gaming and Immersive Technologies Hub, positioning Dubai as a regional and global leader in next-generation gaming, simulation and digital content creation.
- With the launch of the DIFC Zabeel District, Dubai is once again signalling its intent to shape the future of global finance, technology and innovation on an unprecedented scale.
Dubai has unveiled one of its most ambitious developments yet, with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launching a $27 billion expansion of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) through the creation of the DIFC Zabeel District.
The mega project, valued at AED 100 billion, marks the largest demand-led expansion of a financial centre in the region and is set to significantly strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for business, finance and innovation.
Doubling DIFC’s Capacity
Spanning 7.1 million square feet with a total gross floor area of 17.7 million square feet, the DIFC Zabeel District will effectively double the size of the DIFC. Once complete, it will be capable of hosting more than 42,000 companies and supporting a workforce exceeding 125,000 professionals.
The expansion will also introduce over one million square feet dedicated to future technologies and artificial intelligence, reflecting Dubai’s long-term vision to lead in next-generation industries.
Phased Development Through 2040
The project will be developed in six phases, with the first phase already in preparation. The district is expected to open to the public by 2030, while the full masterplan is scheduled for completion in 2040.
According to the Government of Dubai Media Office, the Zabeel District represents a strategic response to rising global demand for high-quality financial, commercial and innovation-driven infrastructure.
AI, Innovation and Gaming at the Core
At the heart of the new district will be a purpose-built innovation hub and AI campus spanning more than one million square feet. The campus is designed to support over 6,000 companies and accommodate up to 30,000 technology specialists.
In addition, the district will feature a dedicated Gaming and Immersive Technologies Hub, positioning Dubai as a regional and global leader in next-generation gaming, simulation and digital content creation.
Image: @HHShkMohd/X
A Major Education and Talent Hub
Aligned with Dubai’s Education 33 (E33) strategy, the DIFC Zabeel District will also focus heavily on higher education and talent development. The expansion aims to attract world-class universities ranked among the top 25 globally, strengthening Dubai’s appeal as a destination for advanced education.
The DIFC Academy will grow ten-fold to 370,000 square feet, enabling it to serve up to 50,000 learners annually and further supporting the city’s knowledge-based economy.
Culture, Lifestyle and Urban Connectivity
Beyond business and education, the Zabeel District will introduce a first-of-its-kind art pavilion, reinforcing DIFC’s role as a cultural destination. The masterplan also includes residential developments, hotels, conference facilities, upscale retail spaces and a central boulevard designed to enhance quality of life.
A signature bridge will connect the new district directly to the existing DIFC Gate District, ensuring seamless integration with the current financial centre.
Strengthening Dubai’s Global Standing
Commenting on the launch, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the project reflects Dubai’s commitment to building futuristic ecosystems that combine economic growth with a high quality of life. He highlighted that such landmark developments continue to make Dubai a preferred destination for global businesses, investors and talent.
With the launch of the DIFC Zabeel District, Dubai is once again signalling its intent to shape the future of global finance, technology and innovation on an unprecedented scale.
Cover Image: @HHShkMohd/X
