Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority (DSOA), the regulatory body for Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), the integrated free zone technology park, today announced its participation at GITEX Technology Week 2013 for the 11th consecutive year.
During the five-day event that will take place from 20-24 October at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, the DSO stand at Zabeel Hall (ZB20) will showcase the park’s hi-tech ecosystem designed for the technology industry. The DSOA stand will particularly spotlight its wholly owned technology incubation centre, the “Silicon Oasis Founders” that was established to foster local entrepreneurial talent in the information technology, internet, e-commerce technology and mobile technology domains.
DSOA will also be launching its smart mobile applications during the event as part of the smart government initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
DSOA will in addition focus on its advanced IT network capability that offers multiple power and cooling sources using the Tier III data centre. More importantly, the free zone’s incentives such as competitive cost of operations, state-of-the-art infrastructure and 100 per cent ownership will be underlined to potential high-tech investors seeking to establish a footprint in the region.
Commenting on DSOA’s participation, Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, Executive VP – Commercial, said: “GITEX Technology Week offers an excellent platform for technology leaders to explore business opportunities with like-minded professionals in the tech industry. Since inception, Dubai Silicon Oasis is committed to attracting the world’s leaders in this domain. Our presence at GITEX Technology Week offers us the opportunity to share our incentives and state-of-the-art infrastructure with technology companies that are looking to foray into the region and set up their operations in Dubai.
“During our participation at GITEX 2012, we initiated partnerships with technology-based organisations that are now fully established at DSO. We are positive the event this year will allow us to consolidate these synergies even while drawing new investors that share our vision and commitment.”
“Going a step further, we have allocated AED748 million to fund investment projects during 2013 in order to provide world-class facilities for international companies looking to set up their regional headquarters in Dubai. This not only facilitates businesses at the park to flourish but also positions DSO as a destination of choice for home-grown and multinational companies seeking to mark a presence in the region,” Dr. Juma added.
Companies operating under the Authority at Dubai Silicon Oasis have increased to 821 during H1 2013 with 68 per cent in the IT industry and the remaining 32 per cent in the commercial and diversified service sectors.
The current breakdown of organisation by country in DSO is represented as follows: 35 per cent of the companies are European, while Asian enterprises comprise 19 per cent and American firms account for six per cent. Canadian organisations cover two per cent of the businesses at DSO, with one per cent representing Australia and 37 per cent comprising enterprises from the MENA region. The mix highlights the free zone’s international make-up.
In line with its strategy to create an advanced hi-tech eco system, DSO has completed Phase III of its Light Industrial Units (LIU), with more than 50 per cent already rented. The Light Industrial Units include 22 flexible, modular and finished units that span over approximately 365 sq. metres. Each unit houses ground and first floor offices spreading over 150 sq. metres, while the warehouse on the ground floor covers almost 210 sq. metres.
The DSOA stand will also host several partners based at the technology park. Leveraging the extensive visitor footfall that GITEX receives year-on-year, DSO-based SMEs, large corporations, entrepreneurs, as well as research and development (R&D) entities will demonstrate innovative products and services, as well as share their success stories that took shape at the integrated park.
A wholly-owned entity of the Dubai Government, Dubai Silicon Oasis is regarded an ideal location of choice for tech companies seeking to establish their regional headquarters or research and development facilities in the Middle East and Africa region.
