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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.

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UAE fuel prices for June announced: Petrol edges closer to Dh4 a litre

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The UAE announced revised fuel prices for June 2026, with motorists set to pay significantly more for petrol while diesel costs decline compared to the previous month.

The latest adjustment is particularly notable as it marks the country’s first monthly fuel pricing update since formally leaving both OPEC and OPEC+ earlier this year.

Beginning June 1, Super 98 petrol will be priced at Dh3.95 per litre, up from Dh3.66 in May. Special 95 will rise to Dh3.83 per litre from Dh3.55, while E-Plus 91 will increase from Dh3.48 to Dh3.76 per litre.

In contrast, diesel users will benefit from a reduction, with prices falling from Dh4.69 per litre in May to Dh4.33 in June.

The latest increase extends a three-month upward trend in petrol prices, reflecting ongoing volatility in global energy markets and fluctuations in crude oil prices.

Impact on residents

For households across the UAE, fuel price movements remain a key economic indicator, influencing transportation costs, daily commuting expenses and overall household budgets. Rising petrol prices can have a noticeable impact on monthly spending, particularly for residents who rely heavily on private vehicles.

The June pricing announcement comes just weeks after the UAE officially ended its six-decade membership in OPEC and OPEC+, a move that took effect on May 1, 2026.

The revised prices will come into effect from June1, 2026.

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UAE waives Dh834 million in debt interest for low-income retirees

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In a major humanitarian initiative announced ahead of Eid Al Adha, the UAE has approved the cancellation of accumulated interest and profit charges on loans owed by low-income retirees across the country.

The financial relief package, launched under the directives of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and closely followed by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, is being implemented by the Defaulted Debts Settlement Fund in partnership with several UAE banks. 

Valued at more than Dh834 million, the initiative is designed to ease financial pressures on 2,339 senior citizens while strengthening social stability and supporting family wellbeing across the country.

The initiative specifically targets Emirati retirees aged 50 and above who fall within limited-income categories.

Under the mechanism announced, participating banks will waive future interest and profit charges on outstanding loans while beneficiaries continue repaying only the original loan amount through flexible payment schedules.

Among the banks contributing to the initiative, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank Group accounted for the largest share at Dh655 million, followed by First Abu Dhabi Bank with Dh150 million. Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank contributed Dh18.5 million, while Emirates NBD Group and Emirates Islamic Bank jointly provided Dh6.7 million.

Other participating institutions included Dubai Islamic Bank with Dh2.3 million, Commercial Bank of Dubai with Dh792,000, Sharjah Islamic Bank with Dh716,000 and the National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah with Dh566,000.

Officials confirmed that beneficiaries will be contacted directly by participating banks and financial institutions regarding the implementation process and revised repayment arrangements.

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What the UAE’s new poultry Premium Mark label means for shoppers

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Chicken shopping in the UAE is about to change, with a new government-backed Premium Mark set to appear on selected locally produced poultry products from June.

The initiative, launched by the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (ADQCC), aims to help shoppers quickly identify chilled chicken products that meet higher standards for food safety, quality, sustainability and production practices.

Retailers say UAE consumers are becoming far more selective about what they buy, especially when it comes to fresh poultry.

The certification will apply to producers that meet advanced standards across the poultry supply chain, including farming methods, feed quality, inspections and final product quality.

The rollout will begin in phases from June with selected Abu Dhabi poultry producers. Participation is voluntary, but industry players believe the label could strengthen consumer confidence in UAE-made products and help local brands compete more strongly against imported premium poultry.

Officials also said the framework could later expand to include eggs, dairy and red meat products.

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