The Dubai international financial centre (DIFC) is an onshore capital market designated as a financial free zone design to create a unique financial services cluster economy for wealth creation initiatives. It is established as part of the large vision of H.H Shiekh Mohammad bin Rashid Al makhtoum, Crown prince of Dubai and UAE defence minister and the government of Dubai to create an environment of growth, progress and economic development in the UAE and the wider region. Integrity, Transparency, and efficiency are the guiding principles of the DIFC.
There are six primary sectors of focus within the DIFC: banking services (Investment banking, Corporate banking & private banking);Capital markets (Equity, instruments, Derivatives & commodity trading);Asset management & Fund Registration, Fund administration & Fund management);Re-insurance; Islamic finance and back office operations. License applications are being considered from financial institution in the above sectors. Each of these units will offer benefits such as zero tax on income and profits, 100 per cent foreign ownerships, no restrictions on foreign exchange or capital/profits repatriation, operation support and business continuity facilities.