Engel & Völkers

DIFC Area guide

Explore Dubai’s financial hub and one of the city’s most prestigious mixed-use districts for business, investment, and luxury urban living.

difc sheikh zayed road Blick auf das Museum der Zukunft

Introduction to DIFC

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is one of the city’s most distinguished business and lifestyle destinations, positioned between Downtown Dubai and Sheikh Zayed Road. It blends global finance, premium residential living, art, culture, and world-class dining into a single, thriving urban district.

emirates financial towers Luftaufnahme in den Wolken

Commercial properties in DIFC

Grade A office spaces

The backbone of DIFC’s commercial landscape, Grade A offices are located in landmark towers such as Gate Village, Index Tower, and Central Park Towers. These spaces offer premium finishes, efficient layouts, and cutting-edge infrastructure. Investors benefit from high occupancy rates (often above 95%), stable corporate tenants, and long-term lease security, making them ideal income-generating assets.

Retail units & F&B spaces

Street-level and podium retail spaces across DIFC serve a high-spending professional audience. From fine-dining venues in Gate Village to coffee concepts and lifestyle boutiques, these units enjoy exceptional visibility and footfall. Retail investments in DIFC typically command premium rents driven by strong consumer demand and limited supply.

Serviced offices & co-working hubs

Flexible workspace operators like WeWork, Regus, and Servcorp have a strong presence in DIFC. These spaces cater to startups, SMEs, and international firms entering the region. For investors, such properties offer diversified tenant mixes and potential management partnerships with established operators, combining short-term flexibility with steady yields.

Cost of commercial properties

Office prices in DIFC

Rental and purchase prices vary based on tower, floor level, and fit-out quality. Investors benefit from secure corporate tenancy, stable long-term yields, and DIFC’s trusted ownership framework.

CategoryTypical price range

Rental

AED 650/sq.ft. - 750/sq.ft. yearly

Sales

AED 4,000/sq.ft. - 7,000/sq.ft.

Popular office buildings in DIFC

Gate Village

A flagship cluster within DIFC, Gate Village blends Grade A office space with art galleries, fine dining, and boutique retail. The buildings feature modern architecture, efficient layouts, and proximity to The Gate, making it a preferred address for financial institutions, law firms, and asset managers.

Central Park Towers

One of DIFC’s largest commercial addresses, Central Park Towers offers expansive floor plates, premium facilities, and sweeping views of Downtown Dubai. Its retail promenade, accessibility, and high-quality infrastructure make it ideal for multinational corporates seeking scale and prestige.

Index Tower

Designed by Foster + Partners, Index Tower is a dual-use residential and commercial skyscraper known for its intelligent design and cooling efficiencies. Its commercial floors feature high ceilings, superb natural light, and uninterrupted city views, making it a top choice for global firms.

ICD Brookefield Place

A modern architectural landmark, ICD Brookfield Place delivers exceptional Grade A+ office standards with flexible floor plates and world-class amenities. With direct access to DIFC Gate Avenue, it attracts leading global companies and offers one of the highest-quality work environments in the region.

Residential buildings in DIFC

Sky Gardens DIFC

A modern residential tower located at the edge of DIFC, Sky Gardens offers spacious apartments with panoramic city views. Residents benefit from easy access to Gate Avenue, landscaped indoor gardens, and close proximity to both DIFC offices and Downtown Dubai.

Park Towers

Developed by DAMAC, Park Towers consists of twin residential towers offering contemporary apartments with extensive amenities. Its central location within the district, along with direct retail access at the podium level, makes it highly attractive to professionals working in DIFC.

Liberty House

Known for its mix of residential and commercial units, Liberty House offers a vibrant living experience. Residents enjoy rooftop facilities, retail conveniences, and walking access to DIFC’s offices, restaurants, galleries, and metro station.

The Index

The residential component of Index Tower delivers minimalist, spacious apartments with spectacular skyline views. Its direct integration with DIFC’s commercial and lifestyle ecosystem makes it ideal for executives seeking a premium urban lifestyle.

Amenities

Amenities in DIFC

Gate avenue mall

At the heart of The Valley lies the vibrant Town At the heart of DIFC, Gate Avenue Mall connects the entire district through a vibrant retail promenade featuring luxury boutiques, fine dining, and lifestyle brands. It enhances tenant and visitor appeal, driving consistent footfall and adding long-term value to nearby commercial properties.

Premium gyms

With leading fitness facilities such as Fitness First and Warehouse Gym, DIFC caters to the wellness-focused professional community. These gyms elevate the district’s work-life balance offering and support high tenant satisfaction, an important factor for investor retention and asset performance.

Healthcare and wellness facilities

DIFC is home to world-class healthcare centers, clinics, and wellness spas that provide convenience and peace of mind to tenants and visitors. Their presence enhances the district’s ecosystem, aligning with global trends favoring integrated wellness within business environments.

24/7 security and concierge services

Across major developments, investors benefit from round-the-clock security, valet parking, and concierge services. These features ensure operational excellence, premium tenant experiences, and uphold DIFC’s reputation as Dubai’s most prestigious and secure business address.

Getting Around

Location of DIFC

DIFC is exceptionally well-connected, positioned along Sheikh Zayed Road and directly linked to the Financial Centre Metro Station. With allocated parking, dedicated taxi zones, and pedestrian-friendly pathways, DIFC ensures convenience for both residents and commercial tenants.

  • 5

    mins

    Downtown Dubai

  • 10

    mins

    Business Bay

  • 15

    mins

    Dubai International Airport

Public transportation in DIFC

Dubai Metro and Dubai skyline

Retail

Retail in DIFC

Gate Avenue mall

Stretching through the heart of DIFC, Gate Avenue Mall is a curated retail and dining destination that connects the district’s major towers. It features luxury fashion, fine dining, and lifestyle brands, driving consistent footfall from residents, office tenants, and visitors alike, making it a prime location for retail investment.

Gate Village retail

Known for its art galleries, fine dining restaurants, and boutique retail spaces, Gate Village blends business and lifestyle seamlessly. Its premium atmosphere attracts affluent professionals and international visitors, ensuring strong rental demand and high tenant stability.

Central Park Towers retail promenade

Located on the edge of DIFC near Sheikh Zayed Road, Central Park Towers offers a vibrant mix of cafes, convenience stores, and service outlets. The area benefits from strong daily foot traffic from office tenants and nearby residents, making it ideal for steady-yield retail opportunities.

Restaurants in DIFC

Zuma

An institution in Dubai’s fine dining scene, Zuma combines contemporary Japanese cuisine with an energetic atmosphere ideal for business lunches and client dinners. Located in the heart of DIFC, it attracts the city’s top executives and investors, making it a prime networking destination within walking distance of major offices.

Cipriani

Cipriani brings timeless Italian elegance to DIFC with its signature sophistication and impeccable service. Its refined ambience and consistent quality make it a preferred venue for corporate meetings, deal signings, and high-profile gatherings, reinforcing DIFC’s status as Dubai’s premier business district.

Amazonico

Set across three levels with lush interiors and a rooftop terrace, Amazonico offers Latin American cuisine in one of DIFC’s most vibrant dining settings. Popular among executives for both lunches and after-work networking, it blends business and leisure seamlessly in the heart of the financial centre.

High-rise skyline of DIFC at sunset, with bright lights down Sheikh Zayed Road

Discover prime real estate options in DIFC

Speak to an Engel & Völkers advisor to explore investment options or leasing opportunities in one of Dubai’s most prestigious districts.

Explore properties in DIFC

Explore projects

Off-plan projects in DIFC

fourseasons

Four Seasons Private Residences DIFC

DIFC
Lounge view of Akala apartment overlooking the Burj Khalifa

Arada Akala Hotel & Residences

DIFC

DIFC

Frequently asked questions

Contact

Contact your personal advisor

Headshot of Rogier Arends
Nicole Voger headshot
Ran Miao

Engel & Völkers Dubai

7th Floor, Al Khail Plaza

Jumeirah Village Triangle, Dubai, UAE

Tel: +971 4 4223500