DIFC usually refers to the Dubai International Financial Centre, a major financial free zone in Dubai with its own legal and regulatory system.wikipedia+1
Basic definition
- Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is a special economic zone and international financial hub located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.moet+1
- It was established in 2004 to serve financial and professional services firms targeting the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region.weforum+1
Key features
- DIFC is a free zone offering 100% foreign ownership, a business‑friendly environment, and zero percent tax on profits and income for companies established there.sovereigngroup+1
- It hosts banks, asset managers, insurers, law firms, fintechs, and related professional services, along with offices, residences, restaurants, and cultural venues.difc+1
Legal and regulatory system
- DIFC has its own independent regulator, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), which oversees financial services conducted from the centre.wikipedia+1
- It operates under an English common law framework, with DIFC Courts handling civil and commercial disputes separately from the wider UAE court system.difccourts+1
Jurisdiction and scope
- DIFC’s laws cover areas such as corporate, commercial, civil, employment, trusts, and securities, while UAE federal laws (for example, criminal law and immigration) still apply.difccourts+1
- The DIFC Courts’ jurisdiction is limited to civil and commercial matters connected to the DIFC, and they can enforce their judgments under specific UAE and Dubai laws.difccourts+1
If you meant a different acronym (for example, in finance, tech, or law), say the context and a more targeted explanation can follow.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubai_International_Financial_Centre
- https://www.difc.com/who-we-are
- https://www.moet.gov.ae/en/-/dubai-international-financial-centre
- https://www.weforum.org/organizations/dubai-international-financial-centre-difc/
- https://www.sovereigngroup.com/dubai/corporate-services/dubai-international-financial-centre-difc/
- https://waifc.finance/profiles/dubai-international-financial-centre/
- https://www.difccourts.ae/about/difc-courts
- https://www.difccourts.ae/about/jurisdiction
- https://www.difc.com
- https://www.sovereigngroup.com/dubai/dubai-international-financial-centre-difc/
- https://www.lexisnexis.co.uk/legal/glossary/dubai-international-financial-centre-difc
- https://www.ogier.com/news-and-insights/insights/an-overview-of-the-difc-and-adgm/
- https://www.charlesrussellspeechlys.com/en/insights/expert-insights/dispute-resolution/2025/overview-of-the-difc-courts-law-2025/
- https://www.aoshearman.com/en/download/media/project/aoshearman/pdf-downloads/restructuring-across-borders/difc-factsheet-aos-update.pdf
- https://www.oliverwyman.com/our-culture/society/social-impact/dubai-international-finance-centre.html