DIFC is aiming to create a world class financial centre at par with those in New York, London and Hong Kong to serve the needs of the MENA region. The financial free trade zone focuses on six main industries within the financial services sector: Banking Services, Capital Markets, Asset Management and Fund Registration, Reinsurance, Islamic Finance, and Back Office Operations.

To lure institutions into registration, the DIFC offers 100% foreign ownership rights, zero tax rate, and no restrictions on capital and profits repatriation. Unlike 'offshore' tax havens, the DIFC members will have fully fledged 'onshore' operations.

The DIFC has its own independent regulatory and supervisory body, the DIFC Financial Services Authority (DFSA)DIFC Financial Services Authority (DFSA), which regulates all financial institutions within the zone. The DIFC Judicial establishment is responsible for enforcing the regulations while the DIFC AuthorityDIFC Authority is the core body responsible for the overall development and the day to day operation of the centre.