DIFC Authority is engaging with architects to design three new mixed-use developments at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) free zone in Dubai.

DIFC has received proposals from architects for the projects, which are connected to the Gate Avenue development or retail spine to be completed this year. DIFC awarded the local/Australian HLG Contracting the AED500m ($136m) contract to build the Gate Avenue in October 2016.

DIFC is also tendering an 18-month contract for the refurbishment of common areas within the Gate Building, Gate Village and Precinct Buildings.

DIFC’s portfolio of properties continued to perform strongly in 2017 and were 99 per cent occupied.

In the broader DIFC district, a record 315 firms joined the DIFC last year, taking the number of active companies in the district to 1,853, a 12 per cent increase. An additional 384,200 square feet of space was leased in the district, which is another record.

Altogether, the district employs 22,338 people.