2016: A Year of Firsts for DIFC

Today we announced our 2016 Operating Review and wanted you to be amongst the first to hear about how we performed.

2016 was one of our best years for attracting new companies to the DIFC. We now have 1,648 entities registered in the DIFC which is a 14% increase on the prior year. The number of financial firms increased by 10% to 447. By strengthening the relationships we have built with our clients, we will continue to grow and comfortably meet our target of having 1,000 financial firms operating from the Centre by 2024.

The DIFC is no longer just a financial centre where people come to work. We are becoming a destination. We added an additional 25 retail outlets during 2016, taking the total to 211. The first phase of Gate Avenue at DIFC, launched in April last year, will be complete at the end of this year, which will further enhance our position as a leading business and lifestyle destination.

21,611 people are now based in the DIFC which is a 9% increase on last year. DIFC remains one of the most desirable locations in Dubai for people to work in and a place that attracts world class talent.

You are a part of this ecosystem and we thank you for your valuable contribution to our collective success.

We look forward to working with you towards acheiving even more positive outcomes in 2017.