The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. A strategically placed platform for business development in the region is especially appealing to financial institutions.

The DIFC was founded in 2004 pursuant to a number of United Arab Emirates (UAE) federal and Dubai laws, including Federal Decree No. 35/2004 On the Establishment of a Financial Free Zone in the Emirate of Dubai, Dubai Law No. 9/2004 on the Dubai International Financial Centre (which recognised the financial and administrative independence of the DIFC) and which is now abrogated by Dubai Law No. 5/2021 On Dubai International Financial Centre, and Dubai Law No. 12 /2004 on the Judicial Authority at Dubai International Financial Centre (which established along with the DIFC Judicial Authority the DIFC court system) and which is now abrogated by Dubai Law No. 2/2025 Dubai International Financial Centre Courts.

AML: Anti-money laundering.

DIFC: Dubai International Financial Centre.

DIFCA: The DIFC Authority.

DFSA: Dubai Financial Services Authority.

UAE: United Arab Emirates.