Over the years DIFC has become synonymous with offering a highly sophisticated level of management expertise which attracts companies from across the world looking to establish their regional headquarters or Middle East offices here in Dubai.

The Client Centric approach is designed to help clients grow by streamlining business processes and developing management structures that are geared towards a superior client experience.

Benefits of business establishment in DIFC:

• Totally foreign ownership
• For 50 years starting from the date of creation, there will be no income or profit taxes
• Possibility of using the extensive network of agreements against double taxation in the UAE
• Unrestricted ability to repatriate wealth and income
• A top-notch, independent regulatory body cooperating with other financial regulators based in important international jurisdictions
• Common Law of England and Wales is the basis for the international legal system (the only Common Law jurisdiction in the region)
• A fully open working environment that complies with laws, regulations, and standards that are recognized worldwide
• An international stock exchange that lists debt and equity securities both main and secondary
• A wide range of legal structures that are flexible in capital structuring
• Dubai is home to a pool of skilled professionals

Regulatory organizations working in DIFC :

1. DIFC Authority :

The DIFC Authority is the body charged with overseeing the operation and administration of the DIFC. The Authority has been established under Dubai Law No. 9 of 2004 as a juridical entity attached to the Government of Dubai. Its responsibilities include developing overall strategy, providing direction, promoting DIFC and attracting licensees to operate in DIFC.

2. Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”) :

The DFSA is the integrated regulator responsible for the authorization, licensing and registration of institutions and individuals who wish to conduct financial and professional services in or from DIFC. Created under Law No. 9 of 2004 and entirely independent of the DIFC Authority and the DIFC Judicial Authority, the DFSA’s role is to ensure that investors are protected from unscrupulous financial practices.

3. DIFC Judicial Authority (“DIFC Courts”) :

The DIFC Courts’ statutory function is that of administering and enforcing the civil and commercial laws of DIFC. The Court also has jurisdiction over any judgment entered by a foreign court sitting in Dubai, provided it is enforceable in the foreign court’s home country.

4. Registrar of Companies (“ROC”) :

The ROC operates under the Companies Law as a separate legal body established as a “Corporation Sole”. The ROC is responsible for advising on, receiving, reviewing and processing all applications submitted by prospective DIFC registrants seeking to establish a presence in DIFC in accordance with the Companies Law and its associated regulations.

5. Registrar of Securities (“ROS”) :

The ROS is responsible for recording and registering, and thereby establishes priority of, security pledged against loans, guarantees and other financial transactions as well as updating them. The ROS helps lenders and guarantors to realize their rights in respect of the security pledged.

6. Registrar of Real Property (“RORP”) :

The RORP protects the rights of buyers, sellers and leaseholders. By improving transparency and accountability, it enables citizens to make informed decisions.

7. DIFC Investments (Company) LLC :

DIFC Investments is responsible for the management of the Centre’s strategic asset portfolio. It manages a diverse range of investments in line with the development of DIFC’s investment strategy and policies. In addition to its own investments, DIFC works to form strategic alliances with other bodies to further the goals and objectives of the DIFC.

8. Hawkamah Institute of Corporate Governance : 

Hawkamah is an international association of corporate governance practitioners, regulators and institutions whose primary mandate is to develop corporate governance best practices in the Middle East. The institute was established in 2007 with founding members such as Bahrain Ministry of Finance, Kuwait Stock Exchange, Qatar Exchange and The Central Bank of UAE.

9. Mudara – Institute of Directors (IOD) :

Mudara is a membership organization serving directors, professional leaders and governance professionals in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. With more than 5 years of experience, Mudara’s wide network of members represents Public and Private Sectors. It is owned by its community and its executive management team is comprised of “real” practitioners.

10. DIFC-LCIA Arbitration Centre :

In 2008, DIFC positioned itself as an international arbitration jurisdiction with the establishment of the DIFC-LCIA Arbitration Centre. The centre offers dispute resolution services to business and commercial organizations worldwide, including litigants from over 150 jurisdictions

Primary areas of interest :

• Banking & Brokerage Services
• Wealth Management
• Reinsurance & Captive Insurance
• Islamic Finance
• Ancillary Services
• Capital Markets