DIFC supports businesses impacted by COVID-19
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a leading international financial hub in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, has reinforced its commitment to supporting the UAE government’s sustained efforts to protect citizens and residents from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. DIFC is actively following the mandatory directives of the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the guidelines issued by the other relevant government authorities and World Health Organization (WHO).
The center has also applied preventative measures issued by the National Emergency and Crisis and Disasters Management Authority. In line with government directives, DIFC temporarily suspended all retail outlets, except pharmacies, groceries and supermarkets to ensure essential medical and food supplies remain available to the community. Restaurants and cafes are currently closed to customers, with services limited to home takeaway deliveries while the center has also temporarily closed the DIFC Mosque, prayer fabilization cilities and areas of worship in line with government guidance.
Arif Amiri, chief executive of DIFC Authority (DIFCA), said: “The well-being of our community is of utmost importance. We are working continually to ensure all health and safety measures are implemented swiftly and effectively as directed by the relevant government authorities ... Our stimulus package aims to alleviate the tremendous burden COVID-19 has on our clients, industry and economy.”
Aligning with Dubai government’s economic stimulus program, DIFC will introduce a series of fiscal easing initiatives over the next three months from April 1 to
June 30 to help protect the financial services industry and all businesses operating in the center. To further prevent the spread of COVID-19, DIFC moved toward streaming webinars and is planning a series of virtual business, community and lifestyle events to avoid mass gatherings. Furthermore, digital channels are being fully utilized, maintaining the ability to connect live with the DIFC Services Front Desk and conduct business. DIFCA has also committed to a work-from-home policy and has embraced social distancing at the center.
DIFC will also facilitate the free movement of labor in and out of the center between other free zones.