"The $27 billion Zabeel District project will double the size of the DIFC and strengthen Dubai's position as a global financial hub."
Dubai has unveiled a major expansion of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), marking the largest development phase in the financial hub’s history. The new Zabeel District project represents a total investment of more than AED 100 billion (approximately $27.2 billion), making it one of the most significant business developments in the region.
The launch of Zabeel District was announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. According to him, the new district will further strengthen DIFC’s position as a leading global financial centre for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, while reinforcing Dubai’s status as one of the most attractive cities in the world for business and living.
The project will become the largest expansion of DIFC to date. The total land area will cover approximately 660,000 square metres, with a gross built-up area of around 1.65 million square metres. Once completed, the expansion will more than double DIFC’s capacity, enabling it to host up to 42,000 companies with a combined workforce exceeding 125,000 professionals. Around 93,000 square metres will be dedicated to future technologies and artificial intelligence development.
Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that Dubai continues to strengthen its position in the global economy through projects that combine advanced business infrastructure with a high quality of life. He described DIFC as the heart of Dubai’s economy and a vital link between East and West.
As part of Zabeel District, DIFC will establish the world’s largest innovation hub, alongside the first dedicated campus for companies operating in the artificial intelligence sector. The innovation ecosystem is set to triple in size, supporting more than 6,000 technology companies and 30,000 specialists. Plans also include the launch of a centre for gaming and immersive technologies.
The development will further enhance DIFC’s educational offering. DIFC is set to become one of the UAE’s leading centres for postgraduate and higher education. The DIFC Academy will expand to approximately 34,000 square metres, with the capacity to train up to 50,000 people annually. The new district will also feature an art pavilion and dedicated spaces for landmark architectural and cultural installations.
Zabeel District will integrate office and residential spaces, hotels, a conference centre, retail zones and advanced technology facilities, with a strong focus on landscaped public areas and biodiversity. The district will be connected to the existing Gate District of DIFC via a dedicated bridge. Development will be delivered in six phases, with the first areas expected to open to the public by 2030, and full completion targeted for 2040.