DIFC is the Dubai International Financial Centre, established in 2004. It is one of two UAE financial free zones operating under English common law, alongside ADGM.
What it does
DIFC hosts over 5,500 firms across banking, wealth management, asset management, insurance and reinsurance, fintech, and family offices. It is regulated by DFSA and operates its own English-law courts (DIFC Courts) and arbitration centre. DIFC also runs the DIFC Wills service (non-Muslim wills covering UAE assets) and the DEWS scheme that replaces gratuity for DIFC employees.
Key facts
| Type | Financial free zone |
| Jurisdiction | DIFC district, Dubai |
| Established | 2004 |
| Legal framework | English common law |
| Financial regulator | DFSA |
| Court system | DIFC Courts |
| Licensed firms | 5,500+ |
| Official portal | difc.ae |
