A vibrant business ecosystem of over 24,000 professionals working across more than 2,200 active registered firms that benefit from the centre’s robust independent judicial system & regulatory framework, a global financial exchange, inspiring architecture, and enabling support services.

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The DIFC district features ultra-modern office space, retail outlets, cafes & restaurants, art galleries, residential apartments, public green areas and hotels, making it the ultimate destination where business meets lifestyle.

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• 2,289 registered companies

• 24,000 people workforce

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DIFC is an onshore financial centre strategically located between the East and West, which provides a secure and efficient platform for businesses and financial institutions to reach into and out of the emerging markets of the region.

The quality and range of DIFC’s independent regulation, common law framework, supportive infrastructure and its tax-friendly regime make it the perfect base to take advantage of the region’s rapidly growing demand for financial and business services. DIFC fills the time-zone gap for a global financial centre between the leading financial centres of London and New York in the West and Hong Kong and Tokyo in the East. Guided by its core values of integrity, transparency and efficiency, DIFC is playing a pivotal role in meeting the growing financial needs of the region.

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• 100% Ownership: Within DIFC, subsidiaries and incorporated entities enjoy 100% ownership as well as a world-class regulatory environment that allows for a range of options for structuring legal entities.

• Independent Regulatory Environment: An independent risk-based regulator, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) grants licenses and regulates the activities of financial services conducted through DIFC.

• Common Law Framework: DIFC’s legal system and courts follow a Common Law framework administered by an independent and highly regarded regulator and adjudicated by an equally respected court system.

• Hub & Spoke Model: DIFC provides a platform for businesses to centralise the regional and global management of operations, and their rollout to branches around the world.

• No Restriction On Capital Repatriation: DIFC-based companies face no restrictions or constraints on capital or profit flows, and benefit from no currency exchange controls in the US-dollar denominated jurisdiction.

• Tax Efficiencies: DIFC provides a 40-year guarantee of zero taxes on corporate income and profits, enhanced by the UAE’s wide network of double taxation avoidance treaties with regulators and central banks.

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AREAS OF BUSINESS

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• Banking

• Private Banking

• Investment Banking

• Brokerage

• Capital Markets

• Insurance, Reinsurance & Captives

• Fund Management

• Asset Management 

• Wealth Management

• Private Equity

• Corporate Offices

• Professional Services Providers

• Islamic Finance

• FinTech

• Retail and Convenience

• Cafes and Restaurants

• Art Galleries