DIFC
About this area
Home to some of Dubai’s most striking architecture, best restaurants and finest hotels, Dubai International Financial Centre (commonly known as DIFC) is a key part not just of the city’s economy, but of its cultural and culinary scenes too. Below and among the gleaming buildings occupied by more than 3,000 international firms, you’ll find all sorts of attractions, from niche galleries and high-end boutiques to gastronomic wizardry.
DIFC is located alongside Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai’s main highway: the neighbourhood runs approximately from the Trade Centre area at its north end, to Financial Centre Road at its south. Strictly speaking, DIFC is only on the landward side of Sheikh Zayed Road, but you’ll often find hotels and sights on the other side of the highway mentioned as being in DIFC – especially as they’re in easy reach thanks to pedestrian bridges attached to the area’s metro stations.
So don’t let the business-like name fool you – make sure you include a visit to DIFC in your Dubai trip plans, and experience some of the wonders of the area for yourself.
Enjoy stunning gourmet cuisine at DIFC’s restaurants
Take your pick from multi-award-winning venues among DIFC’s eateries.
DIFC may be the Dubai neighbourhood with the highest concentration of award-winning restaurants, with Michelin-starred and globally ranked establishments thick on the ground here. There is no way to do justice to the range of DIFC’s dining prowess, but here are a few highlights to whet your appetite.
Part of an exclusive global chain, Zuma Dubai is an institution in the city, thanks to its faultless service and contemporary Japanese food – but book ahead, as it’s always busy. For a highly multicultural – and utterly delicious – experience, head to the Greek restaurant Gaia, where British-Nigerian chef Izu Ani delivers his twist on Hellenic cuisine, particularly seafood.
Boca awarded a Michelin Green Star, is at the heart of Dubai’s growing zero-waste movement, as well as a gastronomic powerhouse thanks to its creative use of ingredients which would normally be discarded. Meanwhile, The Artisan offers unpretentious and authentic Italian food, making it one of the city’s most acclaimed Italian restaurants.
One of DIFC’s most interesting concepts – just calling it a restaurant doesn’t do it justice – is The Guild, a project consisting of several “acts”, each of which is a self-contained venue. Opened in 2023, The Guild consists of The Nurseries, filled with potted plants, Rockpool featuring crustaceans and fish, The Salon, a “tribute” to European and American brasseries, and Aviaries, a late-night lounge.
For another stunning setting, head to Amazonico, a Latin American-themed establishment with suitably colourful décor and a wonderful rooftop. Or, for something very different, try Lulu & the Beanstalk, a combination of lounge, café-restaurant and bookstore, inspired by the founding sisters’ Kenyan grandmother Lulu.
If you’re looking for dinner and a show, check out Josette, a fun French establishment with great food and nightly entertainment. And for a full-on event, Babylon is not to be missed: enjoy a gourmet meal while watching a lavish production inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
The best things to do in DIFC
Look to the future or explore your cultural side in Dubai’s financial district.
It’s impossible to miss DIFC’s most striking attraction: Museum of the Future, which became an instant icon when it opened in 2022, thanks to its stunning architecture and design. Inside you’ll find interactive exhibitions and displays focusing on the future – of Dubai and the whole world.
Nearby are more DIFC landmarks, Emirates Towers: a pair of skyscrapers which contain offices and a hotel, along with a high-end shopping and dining complex at their base. They were Dubai’s tallest buildings for almost a decade and remain a symbol of the city – as well as offering a great photo opportunity for visitors, from both outside and within.
Cross over the road and you’ll reach The Gate, the original centre of DIFC, and visual shorthand for the district. While this is primarily a commercial area with lots of offices, you’ll find plenty going on. The space around The Gate has played host to a sculpture park and other artistic displays, as well as events such as group yoga classes, classic car meet-ups and more – along with great shopping in DIFC Gate Avenue.
Speaking of art, DIFC is one of Dubai’s main creative hubs, with galleries and events dedicated to arts and culture, such as the semi-regular DIFC Art Nights, which see the city’s cultural crowd descend on the area for talks, exhibitions and networking. DIFC’s art galleries are private, commercial spaces but are usually open to the public – check out DIFC Gate Village’s galleries, including Opera Gallery, as well as AWC Dubai to start with.
For modern architecture fans, The Office of the Future – a fully functioning 3D-printed building – is a must-see. And if you want to relax and indulge, DIFC’s hotels offer some of the city’s best spas, including Conrad Spa and Ritz-Carlton Spa – both guaranteed to send you away feeling fantastic.
Enjoy stunning gourmet cuisine at DIFC’s restaurants
Take your pick from multi-award-winning venues among DIFC’s eateries.
DIFC may be the Dubai neighbourhood with the highest concentration of award-winning restaurants, with Michelin-starred and globally ranked establishments thick on the ground here. There is no way to do justice to the range of DIFC’s dining prowess, but here are a few highlights to whet your appetite.
Part of an exclusive global chain, Zuma Dubai is an institution in the city, thanks to its faultless service and contemporary Japanese food – but book ahead, as it’s always busy. For a highly multicultural – and utterly delicious – experience, head to the Greek restaurant Gaia, where British-Nigerian chef Izu Ani delivers his twist on Hellenic cuisine, particularly seafood.
Boca awarded a Michelin Green Star, is at the heart of Dubai’s growing zero-waste movement, as well as a gastronomic powerhouse thanks to its creative use of ingredients which would normally be discarded. Meanwhile, The Artisan offers unpretentious and authentic Italian food, making it one of the city’s most acclaimed Italian restaurants.
One of DIFC’s most interesting concepts – just calling it a restaurant doesn’t do it justice – is The Guild, a project consisting of several “acts”, each of which is a self-contained venue. Opened in 2023, The Guild consists of The Nurseries, filled with potted plants, Rockpool featuring crustaceans and fish, The Salon, a “tribute” to European and American brasseries, and Aviaries, a late-night lounge.
For another stunning setting, head to Amazonico, a Latin American-themed establishment with suitably colourful décor and a wonderful rooftop. Or, for something very different, try Lulu & the Beanstalk, a combination of lounge, café-restaurant and bookstore, inspired by the founding sisters’ Kenyan grandmother Lulu.
If you’re looking for dinner and a show, check out Josette, a fun French establishment with great food and nightly entertainment. And for a full-on event, Babylon is not to be missed: enjoy a gourmet meal while watching a lavish production inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
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