Cayman Islands vs DIFC (Dubai): which jurisdiction wins?

Cayman Islands vs DIFC (Dubai) — both credible, very different trade-offs. Below: side-by-side on the variables that actually move the decision.

	Cayman Islands	DIFC (Dubai)
Tax headline	0% corporate, capital gains, and income tax	0% on qualifying income (9% otherwise)
Formation days	5	14
First-year cost	$4,200	$12,000
Treaties	Limited	140+
Substance	Economic Substance Law applies to relevant activities	Mandatory office, directors, employees in DIFC
Banking	Top-tier prime brokerage and crypto-friendly banking via Cayman National & private banks	DIFC-licensed banks and prime brokers

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