DIFC Companies

Financial Companies

In the MEASA region, financial services companies have vast opportunities due to significant economic and demographic growth, as well as high wealth levels, which enable them to grow their current business and attract new clients.

Banking and Capital Markets

The DIFC’s banking and capital markets includes companies engaged mainly in these financial sectors:

• Corporate banking;
• Private banking;
• Brokerage;
• Investment banking;
• Capital markets;
• Other financial firms;

 Wealth and Asset Management

The focus areas of DIFC in wealth and asset management include the following:

• Asset management;
• Fund management;
• Private equity;
• Hedge funds;
• Venture capital firms;

Non-financial Companies

Although the main business activities in DIFC focus on regulated banking and finance, there is also a wider array of economic activities present. This encompasses regulated professional service firms in fields like law and accounting, along with numerous non-regulated and non-financial enterprises including family businesses.

FinTech and Innovation

DIFC provides one of the most extensive technology ecosystems in the region, featuring affordable licensing options, purpose-driven regulations, innovative accelerator programs and financial support.

DIFC serves as a crucial and versatile business centre for all start-ups, entrepreneurs, and technology companies. It provides innovators the chance to launch, expand, and enhance their technology ventures through the range of DIFC Innovation licenses.

Thanks to DIFC’s vibrant ecosystem, along with its outstanding regulatory and legal framework, each start-up innovator and entrepreneur gains access to a diverse network of banks, venture capitalists, financial institutions and service providers.

DIFC’s Services

DIFC serves as a centralized, contact point for complete client servicing. It provides an integrated platform that features an independent legal and regulatory framework along with a specialized infrastructure.

Customer Service

DIFC’s clients benefit from a dedicated team of customer service personnel who provide all the services required for clients to successfully set up and operate their businesses in the free zone.

The efficiency of DIFC’s streamlined processes facilitate the establishment and operation within DIFC.

Some of the services provided by DIFC’s staff are listed below:

• Guidance and support for initial applications;
• Company registration / incorporation;
• DIFC corporate structures;
• Licensing;
• Commercial property ownership / licenses;
• Facilities leasing;
• Employee sponsorship;
• Resolutions;
• Assisting with expansion;
• Solving client queries – customer service;
• Client induction;
• Amendments to clients’ leased facilities.

Other Specific Client Services

DIFC’s dedicated personnel provide information, support and advice on the following:

• Long term leases;
• Property ownership;
• Serviced offices and conference rooms;
• Management of facilities;
• Independent judicial system and arbitration centre;
• Employment permits and residency permits;
• Information and communications systems;
• Delivery and moving of items;
• Driving and alcohol licenses;
• Venues and catering for events;
• Networking functions;
• Health, safety and security issues;
• Car parking;

Government Services

The Government Services Office located in DIFC acts as a comprehensive service provider for DIFC clients seeking employment and residency permits, along with various other governmental services.

The offices support the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and provide a range of visa services such as:

• Employment visa;
• Visit visa;
• Dependent visa;
• Long Term visa;
• Non-DIFC Sponsored Employment services;
• NOC Services;
• Events and Media Services;
• Data Protection.

Laws and Regulations in DIFC

The DIFC’s distinctive legal and regulatory structure, grounded in international standards and common law principles, is customized to meet the region’s specific requirements, fostering an ideal atmosphere for the growth of financial services and associated industries.

DIFC Office Space

Companies registered at DIFC can choose from a large range of collaborative and flexible office spaces designed to meet the needs of any business type:

• Coworking spaces for individuals;
• Serviced offices / business centre with flexi-desk, dedicated desk and private offices;
• Commercial offices;
• Retail office spaces;
• DIFC Academy venues;
• Event spaces;

Benefits of DIFC’s Workspaces

• Zero incorporation and registration fees;
• Reduced fees for commercial licenses;
• Zero minimum share capital requirement;
• Central location in Dubai and DIFC;
• Quick and flexible office set up with flexible terms;
• Flexibility to expand your business;
• Supported by high-end infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities;
• In-house professional support;
• Flexi-desks and cost-effective workspaces;
• World class retail and lifestyle venues;
• Collaboration and networking opportunities;
• Diverse financial ecosystem;
• Advantages of affiliation with DIFC Innovation Hub;
• Access to the “Leap by DIFC” platform;

DIFC’s Ecosystem

DIFC delivers not only a stable, thriving, and world-class business environment but also a supportive ecosystem aimed at helping businesses launch, expand and succeed.

The DIFC Innovation Hub leads the way in innovation, serving as the premier ecosystem in the region. It hosts over 1,000 tech and innovation companies, which include established innovation firms, growth-stage tech businesses, venture capital firms, digital labs, regulators and educational organizations.

The Innovation Hub provides a variety of support services for companies, including access to funding from the largest group of venture capitalists, family offices, and institutional investors in the region. Additionally, it offers accelerator programs designed to help tech companies grow and develop.

The DIFC Academy plays a vital role in enhancing knowledge and skills. By offering diverse programmes and business education, it empowers individuals with critical skills required for the future. Furthermore, the Academy’s law school aims to provide aspiring legal professionals with expertise in their field.

Acknowledging the worldwide importance of family enterprises and ultra-high net worth individuals, DIFC created the DIFC Family Wealth Centre (DFWC). Through a network of qualified advisers, the DFWC offers exceptional, custom services to family businesses and UHNWIs, assisting them in their pursuit of success that spans multiple generations.

The DIFC Experience

DIFC provides its extensive professional community, visitors, and residents with an abundance of world class experiences, from high-end retailers, top-notch art galleries, fashionable boutiques, and many of the city’s top award-winning restaurants. The DIFC lifestyle attracts forward-thinking intellectuals, key decision-makers, pioneering entrepreneurs, creative thinkers and distinguished socialites.

Gate Avenue

Featuring iconic architecture and beautifully kept lawns, Gate Avenue presents more than 200 choices in dining, retail, fashion and wellness.

Gate Village

Gate Village is a highly sought-after lifestyle spot in Dubai, celebrated for its award-winning restaurants and internationally acclaimed art galleries and auction houses.

Gate District

Along the Marble Walk of the Gate District are shops, cafes, restaurants, and an array of health, beauty, and wellness venues.

DIFC is the headquarters of choice for global Fortune 500 companies, family businesses and financial as well as non-financial institutions.  It is MEASA’s leading global financial centre.  The business community in DIFC includes over 6150 active registered companies, featuring some of the largest global banks, as well as prominent asset and wealth management firms, law firms and consultancies.

DIFC is not only a premier financial hub but also a lively community focused on retail and lifestyle.

DIFC Contact Details

Customer Service Team

Tel: +97143622222

Monday – Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm

Government Services

Monday – Friday 8:00am – 03:00pm

Getting to DIFC

By Metro

DIFC is accessible via two metro stations on the red line: Emirates Tower station and Financial Centre station. To reach the DIFC Gate Building, use the Emirates Tower metro station.

By Car

For individuals driving to DIFC, there are ample parking facilities and valet services available.

DIFC – Key People

Arif Amiri

Chief Executive Officer

Alya Al Zarouni

Chief Operating Officer

Information to download:

• DIFC Corporate Presentation
• Application Forms

DIFC Video

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Map