Sector Analysis

Global asset management firms have emerged as the most active occupier segment in DIFC in H1 2026, accounting for 38% of all new leasing activity. The cluster of fund managers in DIFC now includes representatives from 14 of the world’s top 20 asset managers by AUM.

Key Occupier Expansions

A global alternatives manager with over USD 200 billion AUM committed to a 9,500 sqm headquarters in Gate Avenue at AED 340 per sqm. Two other major asset managers each secured 4,000-5,000 sqm floors in ICD Brookfield Place under 7-year leases.

Expansion Rationale

Key drivers include concentration of institutional capital in UAE and Saudi Arabia, time-zone advantage for managing both Asian and European portfolios, availability of finance talent, and the DIFC regulatory environment governed by the DFSA under common law.

Outlook

The DIFC pipeline of active occupier requirements from asset management is estimated at 35,000 sqm for H2 2026, significantly exceeding approximately 8,000 sqm of available Grade A space.