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Dubai Launches Dh100 Billion DIFC Zabeel District to Double Financial Hub Capacity

The plan advances Dubai's D33 strategy to elevate the emirate into the world's top four financial centres.

Overview

  • Officials unveiled what they describe as the region's largest demand‑led financial centre expansion, positioned next to the existing DIFC Gate District.
  • The masterplan totals about 17.7 million square feet of gross floor area on a 7.1 million sq ft site, scaling capacity to more than 42,000 companies and a workforce exceeding 125,000.
  • Over one million square feet is allocated for an innovation hub and a purpose‑built AI campus intended for more than 6,000 businesses and 30,000 specialists.
  • Education plans include a tenfold expansion of the DIFC Academy to 370,000 sq ft with capacity for 50,000 learners annually.
  • Delivery will occur in six phases, with first‑phase works underway, public access targeted for 2030, and full masterplan completion slated for 2040.