DIFC Launches The Residences in New Zabeel District Dubai

Dubai International Financial Centre has launched the Residences, the first residential project within the new DIFC Zabeel District. The move marks a transition from DIFC as a pure financial centre to a mixed urban destination with offices, homes, culture & leisure under one master plan. It is seen as the flagship development for the residential part of this long-term expansion.

Project Overview

The Residences are located in Phase A of DIFC ZABEEL District and are developed by DIFC Developments. The project comprises two contemporary residential towers totalling 463 units aimed at end users and investors who wish to live directly in the financial centre. Layouts include one, two, or three-bedroom apartments in mixed sizes, larger duplex formats, and, for higher-value buyers, premium duplex, penthouse layouts.

Design, Lifestyle and Amenities

The Residences comply with DIFC standards for quality, technical performance, and long-term durability. The architecture is clean lines, efficient floor plates & strong natural light focused on practical living for professionals and small families. Inside, finishes and materials are specified to reflect DIFC’s position as a global financial centre while remaining practical for everyday use.

Amenity provision is at the heart of the concept. The towers are complemented by a podium and shared levels offering an urban lifestyle. Residents gain access to

• Resort-style pools & terrace decks for relaxation.
• High-end fitness and wellness facilities, including gyms and wellness zones.
• Lounges for informal meetings and community events.
• Landscaped areas create pockets of quiet within the central business district context.

Integration with Zabeel District master plan

The total gross floor area of the broader DIFC ZaBeel District is planned to be about 17.7 million square feet spread over about 8.1 million square feet of land. Its total gross development value is more than AED 100 billion - the greatest demand-led expansion of a financial centre in the Middle East. In this context, the Residences represent the first residential ownership project on the market and set the precedent for future housing components.

The master plan is shaped to take into account future economic activity, such as financial technology, artificial intelligence, education, culture, and hospitality. In the long haul, the district will house tens of thousands of workers and many firms integrated into the DIFC ecosystem. The Residences are directly positioned near planned cultural anchors, including an art pavilion and restored Zabeel Stables, to be home to boutique retail and destination dining experiences.

Connectivity and Market Positioning

Connectivity is at the heart of the Zabeel District plan. The Residences plug into a two-kilometre Inner Circle loop that will provide a landscaped path for walking, running, or community movement.

On a broader scale, residents can walk between the Residences and the existing Gate District, Emirates Towers & Dubai World Trade Centre in one continuous urban corridor through central Dubai.

At the city level, the project is in sync with future mobility systems like the Dubai Loop and existing arterial road networks supporting links to Downtown Dubai, to the airport, and other key points. Because it is within the DIFC free zone, freehold ownership is open to all nationalities, which boosts its investment for regional and international buyers.

Bottom Line

The Residences in the new DIFC Zabeel district are a key step in the transformation of Dubai International Financial Centre from a specialised office zone to an urban District. Offering the first ownership homes facility, this master plan creates DIFC a true live-work environment. For residents and investors, the project is a unique opportunity to secure a home address in a high-growth area. If you have an interest in this project, connect with Top Luxury Property as the sales starts from Feb 12, 2026.