Laws and Regulations in Dubai International Financical Centre (DIFC)
DIFC’s unique legal and regulatory framework is based on international standards and principles of common law that is tailored to the region's unique needs, creating the optimal environment for financial services and related industries and services to grow.
The Dubai International Financial Centre ("DIFC") was launched in accordance with United Arab Emirates (UAE) Federal Decree No. 35 of 2004 as a part of Dubai’s strategic vision to diversify its economic resources and attract capital and investments in the region. It is a Financial Free Zone defined in Federal Law No. 8 of 2004, as an independent jurisdiction within the UAE, DIFC is empowered to create its own legal and regulatory framework for all civil and commercial matters.
DIFC’s unique legal and regulatory framework is based on international standards and principles of common law that is tailored to the region's unique needs, creating the optimal environment for financial services and related industries and services to grow. For a brief history of the UAE laws creating the DIFC click here
The following three independent bodies have been established at the DIFC under Dubai Law 5 of 2021 to enable and support the growth and development of businesses in the Centre: the DIFC Authority, the Dubai Financial Services Authority ("DFSA") and the DIFC Courts.