DIFC Innovation Hub

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region and the largest cluster of FinTech in GCC.

DIFC Innovation Hub in the Gate District building is an expansion of the Innovation Hub in Gate Avenue, which is the region’s leading innovation ecosystem with more than 500 tech and innovation firms – ranging from start-ups to unicorns. The existing hub was designed and built by Summertown in 2021.

Following its successful delivery, DIFC sought the services of Summertown to emulate a similar look and feel for the expansion of the Innovation Hub in Gate District. With this expansion, DIFC aims to continue attracting the best talent and start-ups looking to make their mark in the UAE’s established financial district. 

The theme of the new hub – the future of finance – is inspired by Innovation Hub in Gate Avenue. The fresh and vibrant new office spaces have been repurposed and upgraded into flexible tech office suites to attract start-ups and tech companies that have evolving space requirements.

These spaces are inspired by campus-style office suites, with collaborative communal break-out areas, think tank zones, and a dynamic pantry. The area of almost 7,500 sqm (80,000 sqft) was designed, built and delivered within 18 months.