Dubai Launches $27.2 Billion DIFC Expansion to Boost Its Role as a Financial Hub
Dubai has announced a major expansion of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) with an investment of more than $27.2 billion (AED 100 billion). This project aims to strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading financial and business hub for the Middle East, South Asia, and beyond.
The new development is called the DIFC Zabeel District. It was officially launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, during a special ceremony, according to the Dubai Media Office.
The DIFC Zabeel District is the largest expansion of a financial center in the region. It will cover 7.1 million square feet of land and have a total built-up area of 17.7 million square feet. The project is designed to meet growing demand for business, innovation, and urban living.
The new district will include a mix of office spaces, homes, hotels, retail outlets, and public spaces. A main boulevard will run through the area, connecting commercial zones with residential buildings. The plan also includes a large conference and exhibition center, luxury hotels, high-end shopping, and advanced digital and technology infrastructure.
One of the key goals of the expansion is to focus on future technologies. More than one million square feet will be dedicated to innovation. This area will become the world’s largest innovation hub and the world’s first purpose-built artificial intelligence (AI) campus.
The Innovation Hub and AI Campus will be three times larger than the existing facilities. They are designed to support over 6,000 companies and more than 30,000 technology professionals. The aim is to drive growth in AI, fintech, digital services, and commercial innovation. The district will also feature a Gaming and Immersive Technologies Hub, helping Dubai become a global center for gaming, simulation, and digital content creation.
Education is another important part of the DIFC expansion. In line with Dubai’s Education 33 (E33) strategy, DIFC will become a major hub for higher and further education. The district plans to attract top universities from around the world, especially those ranked in the top 25 of the QS World University Rankings.
The DIFC Academy will expand ten times in size, reaching 370,000 square feet. Once completed, it will have the capacity to train up to 50,000 students every year, helping to develop future talent in finance, technology, and innovation.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted the importance of the project, saying that the DIFC Zabeel District is a major step in strengthening Dubai’s financial sector. He added that the expansion will allow DIFC to host over 42,000 companies, support a workforce of more than 125,000 people, and dedicate large spaces to future technologies and AI.
He described DIFC as the heart of Dubai’s economy, connecting the East and the West, and serving as a key center for global investment and innovation.
The DIFC Zabeel District will be built in six phases. The first phase is already underway. The district is expected to open to the public by 2030, while the full project is planned to be completed by 2040.
Located in a prime area of Dubai, the district will have excellent connections to major landmarks and transport networks. The design focuses on sustainability, accessibility, wellness, and smart urban planning, with transport upgrades supported by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Currently, DIFC remains the only financial center in the region operating at scale across all business sectors, and this expansion is set to further strengthen its global influence.
Published: 29th January 2026
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