DIFC

A direct comparison of the UAE's seven most-used free zones — from DMCC's commodities cluster to ADGM's English common-law financial centre. Speciality, regulator, cost tier, and when to use each, plus how free zones now sit alongside the post-2021 mainland 100% ownership reform.

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the financial free zone of Dubai — established in 2004 on a 110-acre district off Sheikh Zayed Road. It hosts 5,500+ firms including ~75% of the world's top 50 banks, operates under English common law with its own DIFC Courts, and is regulated by the independent DFSA.