Dubai, being the financial hub of the Middle East, promises to provide opportunities for people to invest in a wide variety of ventures. It has a special economic free zone, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)regulated by the DFSA, that was established in 2004 with the aim of providing a suitable financial as well as commercial hub not only for the Middle East but also for African and South Asian markets.
With covering more than 110 acres, DIFC has emerged as one of the world’s top financial centres that house over 23,000 professionals that are looking for a modern city living while working in the financial sector. DIFC is located on the Southside of Sheikh Zayed Road, between the Trade centre roundabout and Junction one of Sheikh Zayed road heading South-West towards Abu Dhabi.
The DIFC district boasts of modernized office spaces, retail outlets, cafes and restaurants (Caramel Restaurant and Lounge and Zuma), hotels (Ritz Carlton Dubai International Financial Center), art galleries (The Empty Gallery), residential apartments, public green areas.
DIFC is dominated by the 15-storey building, The Gate that is considered to be its main landmark. With its high-rise buildings, many apartments and commercial spaces are available for rent and sale. This community is easily accessible by Metro Station, being located between Emirates Towers and Financial Centre metro stations.
How to start a business in DIFC
Owing to its ideal location, DIFC provides a secure and efficient platform for businesses and financial institutions to reach into and out of the emerging markets of the region. DIFC has its own independent, internationally regulated and judicial system, common law framework, global financial exchange, and a large business community.
DIFC offers the chance to get 100% ownership of your business. They are regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority that grants licenses and regulates the activities of financial services being conducted through DIFC.
Moreover, DIFC provides a guarantee of zero taxes for up to 40 years, on both corporate income and profits, owing to the UAE’s treaties with regulators and central banks regarding taxation.
Operating in DIFC is quite simple and efficient. DIFC is equipped to provide a wide range of services from registration, incorporation, licensing, leasing and employee sponsorship processes, commercial property ownership, query handling, issue resolutions, expansion assistance and client induction.
Buying or renting in DIFC
DIFC offers commercial office spaces, business centres, dynamic retail spaces and modern data centres. All these spaces are equipped with the latest facilities, safety and security systems, easy accessibility and many more.
- Commercial office space
Commercial office space is available either as leased office services, leased offices and serviced offices. Registered companies have the option to choose a suitable commercial office space for their business.
- Leased office space
This type of space is equipped with all the required facilities and services. You can easily rent out this space at just AED 19,200 per annum.
- Leased offices
You can choose from a variety of floor plans provide layout opportunities suitable for office space. These offices are available from AED 396,000 per annum.
- Full floor (Index Tower) – Starting from AED 4,633,200 per annum
- Half floor (Burj Daman) – Starting from AED 3,891,467 per annum
- Serviced offices
Serviced offices are available on flexible lease terms, and they cater to requirements up to 800 sqft. These offices are equipped with all the modern furnishings and facilities that are needed to provide an ideal base from which small companies, newly established or firms may expand and grow their business. It is available to be rented starting from AED 122,000 per annum.
- Retail space
DIFC leases office space to a range of retail businesses from restaurants, art galleries, grocery stores, pharmacies, nurseries, fitness centres, health and beauty outlets, and technology and office support. The retail space can be rented starting from AED 104,500 per annum (Index Tower) to AED 580,580 per annum (Central Park Tower).
- Business Centres
Business Centres meet the demands of financial and business professionals by providing multi-purpose offices with impressive high-tech services, dedicated IT support and fully furnished meeting rooms.
These are available on quite flexible lease terms. The average rent of the business centre is AED 230,400 per annum (DIFC Tower).
- Event spaces
The DIFC offers spectacular event spaces that can be modified to suit any occasion. Moreover, the East and West Wing areas are also available for booking during the daytime as well as at night for smaller events, exhibitions and receptions of 50-70 guests. These spaces are usually available at AED 100 per hour.
- Data Centre Hosting Facility
DIFC data centre provides a secure and resilient infrastructure to ensure minimum risks and maximum uptime. As a result, DIFC has built four state-of-the-art data centres within the DIFC campus offering hosting services tailored specifically to its prestigious financial and business requirements.
- Studios and apartments in DIFC
The average rent for a studio in DIFC is AED 65,000 per annum. Whereas the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is AED 100,000 per annum. While people who are looking to buy a one-bedroom apartment can get it at around AED 1,600,000.
DIFC is a great option to consider especially when you are a single and young professional who is looking to excel in the finance world. Since DIFC aims to become a global financial hub, it has attracted many highly qualified expats.
If you are looking for a commercial or residential space in the DIFC area, then do not hesitate to contact us. For any further questions, assistance or a fast quote, you can call our help centre between 8.30 am to 5.30pm from Saturday to Thursday. We can not only help you find that perfect location but also guide you in setting up your business.