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Sheikh Mohammed launches Dh100bn DIFC Zabeel District to power Dubai’s future as a global financial hub

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His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has officially launched DIFC Zabeel District, a landmark expansion of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) set to significantly strengthen Dubai’s position as a global financial powerhouse.

Located next to the existing DIFC Gate District, the development is the largest demand-led financial centre expansion in the region, spanning 7.1 million sq. ft with a total gross floor area of 17.7 million sq. ft. The project’s estimated gross development value exceeds Dh100 billion.

A Bold Vision for Business and Lifestyle

Sheikh Mohammed said the launch reflects Dubai’s future-focused approach to development — one that integrates business excellence with quality of life, reinforcing the emirate’s appeal to global talent and investors.

“Dubai does not wait for change, we make it,” he said, adding that DIFC Zabeel District will play a central role in advancing Dubai’s financial sector both locally and globally.

Once completed, the expansion will enable DIFC to accommodate:

  • Over 42,000 companies
  • More than 125,000 professionals
  • Over 1 million sq. ft dedicated to future technologies and artificial intelligence

Building a Comprehensive Financial Ecosystem

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and President of DIFC, described the project as a major step toward building a fully integrated financial ecosystem aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double Dubai’s economy by 2033.

The expansion is designed to support the rapid growth of global financial services and technology firms, while maintaining an agile, world-class regulatory environment.

Innovation, AI, and Education at the Core

The DIFC Zabeel District will feature:

  • The world’s largest innovation hub
  • The world’s first purpose-built AI Campus
  • Facilities designed for 6,000 businesses and 30,000 tech professionals
  • A Gaming & Immersive Technologies Hub supporting next-generation digital industries

Education will also be a key pillar. In line with Education 33 (E33), DIFC aims to become a leading hub for higher education. The DIFC Academy will expand ten-fold, creating capacity for 50,000 learners annually.

Culture, Community, and Sustainable Design

The development will also include:

  • A first-of-its-kind art pavilion
  • Commercial and residential spaces
  • Hotels, retail outlets, and a conference centre
  • Green open spaces promoting wellbeing and biodiversity

Connected to the existing DIFC by a signature bridge, the new district will seamlessly extend DIFC’s urban landscape, prioritising walkability, wellness, and future-ready transport solutions.

Timeline

  • Development will be delivered in six phases
  • First phase construction is already underway
  • Public access expected by 2030
  • Full masterplan completion targeted for 2040

DIFC Zabeel District is set to redefine financial services across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, positioning Dubai at the forefront of the next era of global finance.

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Announcements

Dubai property boom fuels ANAROCK’s Middle East expansion plans

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ANAROCK Group has announced a major leadership reshuffle as it looks to expand its footprint across the Middle East and Europe, with a strong focus on Dubai’s growing real estate market.

The independent real estate consultancy said the appointments come as the region enters a new phase of growth, driven by rising investor confidence, infrastructure expansion and increasing demand across residential and institutional real estate sectors.

New leadership appointments

Anuj Kejriwal has been appointed CEO, EMEA, while continuing his current role as Founding Partner and Head of Retail Advisory.

In his expanded position, Kejriwal will oversee the rollout of ANAROCK’s institutional advisory services across the Middle East, including capital markets, land services, consulting and valuation.

The company said Dubai will act as the launchpad for its wider regional expansion strategy before moving into broader European markets.

Meanwhile, Aayush Puri has been named CEO – Residential, Middle East and CEO of ANAROCK Channel Partner (ACP).

He will lead the firm’s residential business across the region while continuing to oversee the international operations of ANACITY, the group’s proptech and property management platform.

Focus on Dubai’s growth

According to ANAROCK, Dubai’s real estate market remains one of the key long-term growth drivers for the company, supported by strong economic fundamentals and sustained investor demand.

The firm also plans to hire senior local talent across consulting, residential and capital markets divisions as part of its expansion push.

Anuj Puri, Chairman of ANAROCK Group, said the leadership changes reflect the company’s commitment to strengthening its regional presence and capturing new cross-border opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic real estate markets.

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Announcements

New women-focused platform launches in Dubai with regional expansion plans

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A new women-focused platform has officially launched in the UAE with ambitions to become one of the GCC’s leading ecosystems for female empowerment, entrepreneurship and community support.

FEMPOWERMENT was founded by Kirsten Jenna Michaels and Alexander Sailer and aims to support women through business opportunities, coaching, education and networking initiatives.

Launched in Dubai, the platform combines community events, business launch support, workshops, coaching programmes and large-scale experiences designed to help women grow personally and professionally.

At the centre of the initiative is the Women’s Business Launchpad, a programme created to help women set up and scale businesses in the UAE through partnerships with banking, licensing and business service providers.

Founder and CEO Kirsten Jenna Michaels said the platform was designed to move beyond traditional empowerment messaging and focus on creating real opportunities for women.

The platform also features tiered membership programmes offering access to networking events, certifications, workshops and coaching experiences, alongside promotional opportunities for female-led businesses.

Co-Founder Alexander Sailer said the long-term vision is to build a scalable ecosystem that helps women access funding, launch ventures and create sustainable growth opportunities across the region.

Alongside its business and networking focus, FEMPOWERMENT has also pledged to support social impact initiatives, including plans to provide meals for 1,000 labour camp workers in the UAE and contribute to healthcare and education-related causes.

The organisation plans to expand across the GCC and international markets as part of its broader growth strategy.

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Business

New DP World insurance protects cargo from conflict-related disruptions

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DP World has launched a first-of-its-kind cargo war risk insurance solution designed to help businesses navigate growing disruption across Middle East trade routes.

The new offering aims to solve a major challenge facing global shippers, as traditional war risk insurance has become increasingly expensive, fragmented and, in some cases, difficult to access amid ongoing regional tensions.

Unlike conventional policies that typically cover only one stage of a shipment’s journey, DP World’s solution provides continuous protection across the full supply chain, from ocean or air transit to port storage and inland delivery.

Coverage across the full journey

The insurance covers physical loss or damage caused by war-related risks, including conflict, civil unrest, seizure and derelict weapons. Valid claims will be settled with zero deductible, according to the company.

“This is about solving a real, immediate problem for global trade,” said Yuvraj Narayan, Group CEO of DP World.

“Supply chains don’t stop at the port or the shoreline, and neither should insurance.”

Key trade routes included

The programme is available to companies trading in or through the Middle East. It is designed to support supply chain continuity across major trade corridors, including the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea and nearby inland routes.

Businesses can choose several coverage options, including:

  • End-to-end cargo protection across sea, air and land transit
  • Standalone ocean, air or land policies
  • Automatic port storage cover for up to 14 days
  • Coverage limits of up to $400 million per shipment

Lower premiums for businesses

DP World said it was able to secure more competitive pricing than standard market war risk premiums by leveraging its global scale and relationships across international insurance markets.

The move comes as businesses continue to face rising logistical risks, rerouting challenges and insurance costs linked to geopolitical instability across key global shipping lanes.

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