DIFC district
DIFC
25.211, 55.2796 Dubai's international financial centre — offices, galleries, restaurants and the Gate Building arch.
About the district
DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) is Dubai's international financial centre and at the same time a showcase of the city's business and cultural life. Banks, legal and financial companies operate here, it has its own legal system, and the architectural landmark is the Gate Building arch.
Besides offices, DIFC is known for its concentration of art galleries, designer restaurants and bars — in the evening the business quarter turns into one of the most fashionable spots in Dubai. The district is compact, pedestrian-friendly and stylish.
By day DIFC means suits and business meetings, but after sunset the quarter turns into the city's gastronomic showcase: people come here for Zuma, La Petite Maison and dozens of bars. Several times a season Art Nights take place, when the galleries stay open late and the district fills with art lovers.
District photos
Фото: Unsplash
Who the district suits
Business travellers and lovers of art and fine dining — a stylish, pedestrian-friendly quarter.
+ Pros
- ✓A concentration of art galleries and top restaurants
- ✓Modern architecture and the Gate Building arch
- ✓A pedestrian-friendly and stylish district
- ✓Downtown and the metro nearby
− Cons
- •Expensive — both housing and restaurants
- •A business pace, quieter on weekend days
- •Parking is full on weekdays
- •Not for a family holiday
How much DIFC costs
Price benchmarks — from a cup of coffee to renting a home — to estimate your district budget.
Prices are approximate and depend on season and conditions — verify before your trip.
District on the map
Interactive satellite map — zoom and pan to explore the area.
District infrastructure
Transport access
Things to do in the district
Gate Building and Gate Avenue
The iconic arch and a pedestrian gallery
DIFC art galleries
Dozens of galleries, Art Nights evenings
ICD Brookfield Place
Striking architecture and shops
Gastronomy
Zuma, La Petite Maison and other legends
Bars and rooftops
One of the most fashionable evening districts
Where to stay
Waldorf Astoria DIFC
5★Luxury in the very heart of the financial centre
Four Seasons Hotel DIFC
5★Business luxury with a restaurant and spa
The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC
5★Classic five-star service
Serviced apartments
ApartmentsFor long business trips
Where to eat
Zuma
Modern Japanese cuisine — a DIFC legend
La Petite Maison
A French-Mediterranean classic
Coya
Peruvian cuisine with a Latin American bar
Gaia
Greek cuisine in a fashionable interior
Notable places nearby
Culture Museum of the Future
Museum of the FutureA ring-shaped building with Arabic calligraphy on its facade. Inside — immersive exhibitions about the future.
Tip: Tickets sell out days ahead — book online.
Entertainment The Dubai Mall
The Dubai MallOne of the largest shopping centres in the world, with an aquarium, an ice rink and a waterfall.
Tip: The entrance to the fountains is on the Dubai Fountain waterfront side.
Entertainment Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater ZooA giant aquarium with an underwater zoo inside The Dubai Mall — sharks, rays and a glass tunnel.
Tip: Part of the aquarium is visible from the mall for free; you need a ticket for the tunnel and the zoo.
Architecture Burj Khalifa
Burj KhalifaThe tallest building in the world — 828 metres. At the Top observation decks on floors 124, 125 and 148.
Tip: Buy sunset tickets in advance — on-site they cost noticeably more.
Government institutions nearby
Consulates, migration centres, police and city authorities closest to DIFC.
Related articles
Frequently asked questions about DIFC district
What is DIFC?+
The Dubai International Financial Centre — Dubai's international financial centre with its own jurisdiction, bank offices, as well as galleries and restaurants.
Should a tourist visit DIFC?+
Yes, for the modern architecture, art galleries and gastronomy. In the evening it is one of the most fashionable districts in the city.
How do you get to DIFC?+
The nearest metro stations are Financial Centre and Emirates Towers; the district adjoins Sheikh Zayed Road.