ABOUT DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE (DIFC)
Gourmet restaurants, high-end retailers, a plethora of commercial facilities and internationally acclaimed art galleries, make up Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). It is a major global financial hub within the suburb of Dubai and in proximity to Downtown and Business Bay, for South Asian, African and the Middle Eastern markets. Simply known as DIFC, this leading financial centre is a 110-hectare district dubbed as the ‘gateway to growth’. Besides a thriving commercial zone, it is a vibrant residential community, lively and ideal for those seeking modern suburban lifestyle. Also suitable for frequent commuters, DIFC is one of the best areas in Dubai with public transport links seamlessly connecting to other parts of the city. Read on to find more about the locality, amenities and what it’s like living in the heart of Dubai.
IN A NUTSHELL
- The leading financial hub for the Middle East, South Asia and Africa
- Boasts residential apartments, hotels and commercial and retail space
- A mixed-use development, free trade zone and a business community
- Home to some of the most exceptional art galleries in the city
- Features an impressive collection of some excellent restaurants
- Provides convenience and accessibility via two metro stations
COMMUNITY OVERVIEW
With towering buildings, an exotic collection of retail and dining spaces, and as a community well-equipped with modern facilities, DIFC is the epitome of city life. Alluring art galleries and exciting events create a very active and vibrant environment that leave no room for boredom. Also, living in DIFC is especially feasible for working professionals due to the convenient location, accessibility and the overall vibe of a modern lifestyle. Supporting all kinds of businesses and commercial activities with a range of facilities and a regulated set of tax free regime, common law framework and judicial system, it is one of the top areas in Dubai to rent offices. Here, you find a good range of small, mid-size and large offices, shops and other commercial as well as residential properties. Take a look at the types of properties on offer if you are willing to invest or move to DIFC.
PROPERTIES IN DIFC
On the residential side, DIFC houses several apartments for rent and sale. These are reasonable options for singles, couples and working professionals in Dubai as well as families. Developed for world-class modern living, almost all the buildings are of towering heights. You can find a wide collection of apartments ranging from studios to 3-bedroom units and also some 4 to 5-bedroom luxury penthouse suites.
One of the evident benefits of living in DIFC is its very proximity to Downtown Dubai, making it easily accessible if you happen to work there, or just wish to get down to this quintessential neighbourhood for shopping or leisure.
As for the commercial properties on offer, there are dedicated towers and complexes as well as mixed-use projects. You will either find shops and retail spaces at the ground level of residential blocks or a range of commercial unit in a completely dedicated office building. Check out the price trends and popular projects to make an informed decision.
RENTAL TRENDS IN DIFC
| Apartment Type | Average Rental Price in AED |
|---|---|
| Studio | 55,000 |
| 1-Bed | 80,000 |
| 2-Bed | 118,000 |
| 3-Bed | 156,000 |
| 4-Bed | 279,000 |
| 5-Bed | 440,000 |
COMMUNITY OVERVIEW
With towering buildings, an exotic collection of retail and dining spaces, and as a community well-equipped with modern facilities, DIFC is the epitome of city life. Alluring art galleries and exciting events create a very active and vibrant environment that leave no room for boredom. Also, living in DIFC is especially feasible for working professionals due to the convenient location, accessibility and the overall vibe of a modern lifestyle. Supporting all kinds of businesses and commercial activities with a range of facilities and a regulated set of tax free regime, common law framework and judicial system, it is one of the top areas in Dubai to rent offices. Here, you find a good range of small, mid-size and large offices, shops and other commercial as well as residential properties. Take a look at the types of properties on offer if you are willing to invest or move to DIFC.
PROPERTIES IN DIFC
On the residential side, DIFC houses several apartments for rent and sale. These are reasonable options for singles, couples and working professionals in Dubai as well as families. Developed for world-class modern living, almost all the buildings are of towering heights. You can find a wide collection of apartments ranging from studios to 3-bedroom units and also some 4 to 5-bedroom luxury penthouse suites.
One of the evident benefits of living in DIFC is its very proximity to Downtown Dubai, making it easily accessible if you happen to work there, or just wish to get down to this quintessential neighbourhood for shopping or leisure.
As for the commercial properties on offer, there are dedicated towers and complexes as well as mixed-use projects. You will either find shops and retail spaces at the ground level of residential blocks or a range of commercial unit in a completely dedicated office building. Check out the price trends and popular projects to make an informed decision.
RENTAL TRENDS IN DIFC
| Apartment Type | Average Rental Price in AED |
|---|---|
| Studio | 55,000 |
| 1-Bed | 80,000 |
| 2-Bed | 118,000 |
| 3-Bed | 156,000 |
| 4-Bed | 279,000 |
| 5-Bed | 440,000 |
The starting price for a freehold studio in DIFC starts from AED 725k and it can go up to AED 1.3M. These may span around 700 sq. ft. to 900 sq. ft. which is quite spacious for a studio unit. Further the average price of a typical 2-bedroom flat for sale in DIFC is AED 2.25M while one is expected to pay AED 3.7M to purchase a 3-bedroom apartment. As for DIFC penthouses for sale, the prices start from AED 3.9M.
If you’re interested in investing in DIFC, you can look for properties in Sky Gardens, Index Tower or Burj Daman. Latter is a mixed-use project, a 15-storey complex of two towers featuring a hotel, ball, restaurants and a rooftop pool. Those looking to buy offices in DIFC will also find considerable options here starting from AED 1.25M.
ROI IN DIFC
| Apartment Type | ROI |
|---|---|
| Studio | 6.1% |
| 1-Bed | 6.1% |
| 2-Bed | 5.5% |
| 3-Bed | 4.5% |
Studio apartments and 1-bedroom flats are expected to generate the highest return on investment, i.e., 6.1% Interested investors can buy 1-bed apartments in DIFC for AED 750k to AED 1.7M. As for the bigger, 2-bed units, you can expect a 5.5% ROI while 3-bed flats can reap lucrative returns of 4.5%
DIFC FLOOR PLANS
Interested tenants can browse through the DIFC floor plans and take a look at the floor plans available for popular communities/buildings in the neighbourhood.
MOST POPULAR BUILDINGS IN DIFC
Residential towers consists of studios, 1 to 4-bedroom apartments and 5-bedroom luxurious penthouses. Interested tenants can take a look at the most popular buildings in DIFC to make the best choice in line with their requirements.
- Park Towers
- Sky Gardens DIFC
- Central Park Towers
- Index Tower
- Burj Daman
As per user-generated views on Bayut’s official website, Park Towers is found to be the most popular. It is closely followed by Sky Gardens, Central Park Towers, Index Tower and Burj Daman.
Park Towers is a mixed-use complex of two buildings; Park Tower A and Park Tower B developed by DAMAC Properties. There are 49 floors in each building, the residential units begin from 12th floor upwards while seven floors are dedicated for offices. Apartments for rent in Park Towers are available in an affordable price range. Also, commercial investors and business owners can buy offices in Park Towers for as low as AED 1.25M.
Sky Garden is one of the popular towers for renting apartments in DIFC. The price range of rental apartments in Sky Garden DIFC is AED 40k to AED 115k per year.
Another most popular building in the area, Central Park Towers is also a complex of twin towers jointly built by Dubai Properties Group and Deyaar Development. The apartments in Central Park Towers come in studios to 3-bedroom units with the yearly rent starting from AED 50k for studios. One is expected to pay AED 80k annually for a rental 1-bedroom unit, AED 125k for 2-bedrooms and AED 220k for 3-bedroom apartments.
HOTELS IN DIFC
The upscale commercial hub is home to multiple hotels equipped with modern amenities. These hotels in DIFC include:
- The Ritz-Carlton DIFC
- Four Seasons Hotel
- Waldorf Astoria Hotel
The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre is a 5-star hotel located off Sheikh Zayed Road. It offers an array of five-star amenities including executive residences, dining facility, a spa and club.
Four Seasons Hotel DIFC is a boutique-style sanctuary in the area. Guests can take in stunning city views from the glass-enclosed rooftop pool or enjoy cocktails with friends at Luna Sky Bar. The modern suites feature everything you need for a relaxing stay.
One of the most prestigious hospitality brand, Waldorf Astoria Hotel has many branches in different parts of Dubai. In DIFC, it is in proximity to Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa, offering a range of luxury amenities. The hotel also has an exclusive range of dining options, considered as a few of the top restaurants in DIFC such as the Italian eatery, The Artisan Il Ristorante.
TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING SPACES IN DIFC
As a popular commercial hub, traffic congestion is unsurprisingly possible, especially during the rush hour. So, if you want to travel to and from the area it is best to leave a little earlier or later. Moreover, most complexes feature dedicated parking spaces for residents, however, for visitors, finding public parking outdoors could be a problem as it costs around AED 10 for an hour.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN DIFC
DIFC is conveniently located with easy access to public transport. It is only a short walking distance from two metro stations – Emirates Towers and Financial Centre. There are also several bus lines in and nearby. You can also find plenty of taxis but since they are in high demand, hailing them during rush hour can be challenging.
AMENITIES, SCHOOLS AND HEALTHCARE
This financial centre is also home to a myriad of amenities needed for a comfortable living. From supermarkets to places of worship, recreational facilities and even Dubai’s best family restaurants, there’s nothing you would have to go out of the town for.
SUPERMARKETS IN DIFC
There are a handful of supermarkets in DIFC where you can go for your regular grocery shopping. A lot of these supermarkets are found on the ground floor of different buildings within the community. Some of the supermarkets include the Spinneys Supermarket, BS Supermarket LLC, Fresh Mart Supermarket, Choithrams and Al Maya Supermarket. There are many outlets of Spinneys in Dubai, favoured for monthly grocery hauls. The popular supermarket chain around here is in Central Park Towers, open throughout the week.
CHURCHES, TEMPLES AND MOSQUES IN DIFC
To fulfil your religious needs, there is a mosque in DIFC. You can also find Ramadan Juma Mosque a little further away. The DIFC Grand Mosque in Gate Avenue is one of the most beautiful mosques in Dubai.
The nearest church is Dubai Seventh Day Adventist Church 15-minutes away and the Gurudwara, Shiva and Krishna’s Temples are just a 5-minute drive away from the area.
NEARBY AREAS
DIFC is situated right across Downtown Dubai that houses the tallest building, Burj Khalifa and the largest mall in the world. This puts DIFC residents in closer proximity to the most notable landmarks of the emirate, Dubai Opera and Dubai Fountain. It is also located along the same line as the World Trade Centre and Emirates Towers. Za’abeel 2 is located further into the opposite side of community while the Al Satwa sits right behind.
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