Dubai International Financial Centre attracts global investors

A financial free zone on par with New York's Manhattan and Tokyo's Ginza district, the 110-acre Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is home to some of the priciest real estate in Dubai. It is now the most exclusive district for business and trade in the emirate, attracting investors from Asia, Europe and the Americas. The DIFC is a geographic and legal jurisdiction linking the global exchanges including NASDAQ, LSE and HKEX. The DIFC is adjacent to Dubai World Trade Centre and is located at the start of Sheikh Zayed Road.

Its easy accessibility to Dubai Metro, Dubai International Airport and Jebel Ali Seaport and other prime residential and trading districts like Deira and Bur Dubai makes it an investment hub. The zone's potential is further enhanced by the presence of crucial financial think-tanks like Dubai International Financial Exchange (DIFX).

Prices of residential real estate are expected to go up by 25% at Dubai International Financial Centre in 2008/2009.

The free trade area offers investors 100% foreign ownership rights, zero tax rates and is home to prime financial bodies like Dubai International Financial Exchange or Dubai Stock Exchange. Consequently demand for office and residential space within the zone is soaring. The DIFC presently commands the highest prices for offices in Dubai, averaging US$12,668 per square metre. Prices here are 30-40% higher than the prevailing rates at other commercial zones like Business Bay, Sheikh Zayed Road, Tecom and Dubai Marina. The DIFC maintains the price lead in the residential market as well. The prices of studios at the free zone average US$ 641 square meter; for one bedroom apartments, the median rate is US$ 767 square meter. Given the current growth of Dubai economy and the vast potential of the area, Gowealthy forecasts a growth of 25% in real estate prices at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) in 2008/2009.
/Gowealthy.com/