Mohammed bin Rashid Launches Dh100 Billion Zabeel District at DIFC
- Jan 27, 2026
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, on Tuesday announced the launch of the second phase of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), marking a Dh100 billion expansion aimed at reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global financial hub.
The new phase, named Zabeel District, will span 17 million square feet of gross floor area and is designed to accommodate 125,000 professionals. The development forms a key part of Dubai’s long-term strategy to rank among the top four financial centres globally, strengthening its role in international finance and business.
As part of the expansion, the DIFC Academy will undergo a major upgrade, increasing its capacity to train 50,000 students annually. The project will also introduce a one-million-square-foot digital economy innovation hub, expected to host 6,000 companies and create employment opportunities for 30,000 artificial intelligence specialists.
In addition, the Zabeel District will feature a dedicated arts and culture centre, a large-scale conference and events venue, and advanced digital infrastructure designed to support global financial institutions and technology-driven enterprises operating within the DIFC ecosystem.
Announcing the project, Sheikh Mohammed stated that the UAE’s national economy is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by expansion initiatives focused on achieving long-term development leaps across key sectors.
He added that Dubai’s future as an international economic centre continues to be strengthened through sustained investment, innovation, and forward-looking planning, reinforcing the emirate’s global competitiveness and economic resilience.
Source: Gulf News
