Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) – a guide

What is the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)?

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is an international financial centre located in the heart of Dubai and a popular area of the city, with modern buildings, fine restaurants and luxury hotels. This is where Dubai's business tourism flourishes and the most important financial decisions are made. Its location in the city centre adds to the prestige of the area, which can be felt at every turn when visiting the DIFC. Business and finance in Dubai – discover other business districts in Dubai, such as Business Bay, a business district in Dubai similar in structure to the Dubai International Financial Centre. The DIFC is a key element not only of the city's economy but also of its cultural life. Learn more about the Dubai International Financial Centre and plan your visit – welcome to the DIFC Dubai guide.

What is worth knowing about business and finance in the DIFC?

Where is the UAE's financial centre? There is no single answer to this question. Some will point to Business Bay or Downtown Dubai, others to Abu Dhabi Global Market. There is no doubt that one of the most important financial centres in the United Arab Emirates is the DIFC. The Dubai International Financial Centre is a cluster of gleaming buildings occupied by over 3,000 companies from around the world. It is here that the most important financial decisions are often made, and Dubai's business community is based in districts such as DIFC. You will feel almost like you are on Wall Street in New York!

What to see in the Dubai International Financial Centre

It is not only the scale of business that is impressive in the DIFC district. Tourists visit this area for its interesting tourist attractions, which are not found in other parts of the city. What is most worth visiting in the Dubai International Financial Centre? The most important attraction in DIFC is the Museum of the Future – one of the most beautiful buildings in the world, with stunning Arabic-style architecture and a museum exhibition that transports visitors into a vision of the future in Dubai. A landmark of the area is the Emirates Towers, a famous pair of skyscrapers that were the tallest buildings in the city for many years. The symbol of the DIFC district? The Gate, a kind of triumphal arch, a real gateway to the world of office buildings. In DIFC Gate Village, tourists can admire temporary exhibitions by local and international artists, visit designer boutiques or dine in one of the exclusive restaurants.

And if you're interested in other things to see, check out the best attractions in Dubai and book them in advance at the best prices.

DIFC restaurants and cafés – where to eat?

Are there restaurants and cafés open to tourists in the DIFC? Yes, you will find many high-quality restaurants and cafés in the Dubai International Financial Centre. You won't leave hungry after sightseeing! Dubai's nightlife and gastronomy are in full swing here, as it is a meeting place for locals and local businesspeople. So where to eat and where to drink coffee in DIFC?

Businesspeople often go to UCHI DIFC, a top-quality Japanese restaurant. You can enjoy American cuisine and delicious chicken wings at Buffalo Wings & Rings - DIFC, and Asian dishes from Japan, China and other regions of the continent at Geisha Dubai. BOCA is a Spanish restaurant, and Bombay Borough offers exclusive Indian flavours. And for coffee? Al Beiruti Cafe DIFC, which serves delicious coffee and Lebanese cuisine.

What art galleries and events take place at DIFC?

Art and culture at DIFC are an integral part of the financial landscape of the area. Dubai's modern architecture blends with the events and galleries in DIFC, which attract tourists and creative artists. Art events such as DIFC Art Nights are held here, and you can visit private art galleries such as the Opera Gallery or AWC Dubai. You can read about other artistic attractions in Dubai in our guide to Dubai for art lovers.

Are there any good hotels and accommodation near the DIFC?

Yes, both the DIFC and hotels near the DIFC Dubai offer a very good standard of hotel services. However, most of the hotels here are more expensive and high-quality, offering the highest standard of service. Recommended properties include the 4-star Residence Inn by Marriott Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai and Rose Rotana Suites with a great view of the Emirates Towers from the pool. However, if you want to opt for proven accommodation in the best district of Dubai, book accommodation in Dubai in a private apartment with a view of the city in Dubai Marina. Stunning views from the balcony, a swimming pool and gym in the building included in the price, plus a central location close to tourist attractions, shops and restaurants – choose accommodation as part of a trip to Dubai package to save money and get attractions, insurance and on-site tour guide assistance included in the price.

How to get to DIFC – metro, taxi

How to get to DIFC from downtown Dubai? Getting to the Dubai International Financial Centre is quick and easy: the best way is to take the red metro line to Financal Centre Metro Station, which will take you straight to the DIFC district. You can also get there by bus or taxi, and a taxi will be the fastest way to get to DIFC, as there is a motorway leading to the district.

Questions and answers (FAQ):

• Where is the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) located?

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is strategically located on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai's main motorway. The district is closely linked to the nearby Downtown area. The DIFC is also very well connected by metro, with two stations serving the area: Financial Centre and Emirates Towers.

• What attractions and places are worth visiting in DIFC?

The main attraction in DIFC is the Museum of the Future, with its stunning architecture and vision of the future, and the famous Emirates Towers. It is also worth visiting Gate Village and The Gate (the symbol of the district) for temporary art exhibitions, boutiques and dinner at exclusive restaurants.

• Is DIFC a popular place in Dubai for tourists and residents?

Yes, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is very popular with both residents and tourists and is a key part of the city's cultural and culinary life, not just a business centre.